Praying for the Holy Father during his journey to Africa

Dear Friends,

Today, Pope Leo XIV began his significant journey to Africa, with his first day now concluded in Algiers, Algeria. This visit places the Church’s attention on a continent full of faith, resilience, and hope.

This apostolic journey will take him to four countries on the African continent: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. It highlights both the rapid growth of the Church in Africa and the many challenges facing its people. From the very beginning of his visit, the Holy Father is calling for peace, justice, and deeper unity, especially meaningful in Algeria, a place of encounter and dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

We are especially mindful today that Bishop Diego Sarrió Cucarella, a member of the Missionaries of Africa and Bishop of Laghouat, is among those welcoming and hosting the Holy Father during this historic visit to Algiers.

It is fitting that this journey begins in Algeria, where the Missionaries of Africa were founded in 1868 in Algiers by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie. Established to evangelize the African continent, the Missionaries of Africa continue their commitment to living among and serving the people of Africa.

As the Pope continues this journey, we invite you to join us in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we entrust Pope Leo to your loving care as he continues his apostolic journey.
Grant him strength, wisdom, and protection.
Watch over all those he will encounter, and bless their time together.
Bring peace and reconciliation to the nations of Africa, and continue to guide and strengthen your Church on the continent.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

For more information on the Holy Father’s journey, please visit https://www.vaticannews.va/