Pope Leo's decision to visit Africa in April 2026 marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, reflecting the continent's growing importance in global Catholicism. His itinerary includes Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea, where he will honor the African roots of Christianity, notably by retracing the steps of Augustine of Hippo in Algeria. The visit comes at a time when the global security landscape is tense, with ongoing conflicts potentially overshadowing the significance of this trip. The Catholic Church in Africa, now home to 280 million Catholics (or 19.8% of the global Catholic population), has seen rapid growth, with 8.3 million new members in 2025 alone. However, the church faces challenges, including dependency on financial support from the global north and a crisis of leadership. Pope Leo's visit is an opportunity to address these issues and foster more equitable partnerships. Additionally, the political contexts in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, marked by long-standing conflicts and repressive regimes, raise questions about the church's role in advocating for social justice. Pope Leo's emphasis on listening and addressing these realities could lead to transformative changes within the church in Africa.