{"id":58345,"date":"2026-04-12T20:36:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T00:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/pope-prioritises-worlds-fastest-growing-catholic-region-in-major-africa-tour\/12\/04\/2026\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T20:36:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T00:36:01","slug":"pope-prioritises-worlds-fastest-growing-catholic-region-in-major-africa-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/pope-prioritises-worlds-fastest-growing-catholic-region-in-major-africa-tour\/12\/04\/2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Pope prioritises world&#8217;s fastest-growing Catholic region in major Africa tour"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Pope Leo XIV wants to &#8220;turn the world&#8217;s attention to Africa&#8221;, according to a senior Vatican official, as he embarks on a significant tour of the continent addressing themes of peace, migration and dialogue between religions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The 11-day trip, which starts on Monday, is Pope Leo&#8217;s second major foreign visit since being elected to the papacy in May last year, and is a reflection of Africa&#8217;s increasing importance to Catholicism.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">More than a fifth of the world&#8217;s Catholics are in Africa, some 288 million people, according to figures from 2024. It is one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Vatican says its latest survey shows a &#8220;remarkable increase&#8221; in the number of baptised Catholics on the continent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Little wonder then that the trip is regarded as a personal priority for Pope Leo.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The wide-ranging tour will include stop-offs in 11 cities in four countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. In all, the Pope will travel nearly 18,000 km (11,185 miles), clocking up most of the distance on 18 flights.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>A black Madonna statue stands inside the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers &#8211; the inscription behind says: &#8220;Pray for us and the Muslims&#8221; [BBC]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">All but one of the countries have large Catholic populations, but he has chosen a non-Catholic country &#8211; Algeria &#8211; as his first stop, as it holds deep significance for him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">It is the birthplace of St Augustine, and Pope Leo XIV is the first pontiff from the order that follows his teachings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The ideas of the 4th Century North African theologian, such as community and humility, have helped shape the current leader of the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Pope will go to the region where St Augustine was a bishop &#8211; formerly known as Hippo, now called Annaba &#8211; where he will celebrate Mass.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">This will be the country&#8217;s first visit by any pope, and dialogue with the Islamic world is expected to be a key focus, with a visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers being an important moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">So too will a stop at a place of pilgrimage and prayer for both Muslims and Christians &#8211; the Basilica of our Lady of Africa &#8211; also in Algeria&#8217;s capital.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Behind the statue depicting a black Virgin Mary &#8211; venerated in both religions &#8211; are the words &#8220;pray for us and pray for the Muslims&#8221;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"&quot;Pope Leo will encourage us in our faith to build a  world where there is peace and where people live together in harmony\u201d&quot;, Source: Father Peter Claver Kogh, Source description: Rector, Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, Image: A head and shoulders shot of Father Peter Claver Kogh\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"920\" height=\"792\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/Pjmmee5z7QtwZ9Bpu5IHPQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgyNjtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/9529f3c5e17029bd9e252ca690d052e8\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>&#8220;Pope Leo will encourage us in our faith to build a world where there is peace and where people live together in harmony\u201d&#8221;, Source: Father Peter Claver Kogh, Source description: Rector, Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, Image: A head and shoulders shot of Father Peter Claver Kogh<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Rector of the Basilica, Father Peter Claver Kogh, told the BBC that he expected Pope Leo would &#8220;encourage us in our faith and in our mission to build a new world.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;A world where there is peace and where people live together in harmony.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">But the trip comes as rights groups express their concern over Algeria&#8217;s treatment of religious minorities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Algeria has a predominantly Sunni Muslim population. In the past, courts in the North Africa nation have imprisoned Christians and Ahmadi Muslims for what had been described as &#8220;unauthorised worship&#8221; or offence to Islam.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">After Algeria, Pope Leo will go on to Cameroon, where the conflict in its two anglophone regions will provide a backdrop.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The UN estimates at least 6,000 people have been killed and over half a million forced from their homes in the violence that has spanned nearly a decade, sparked by tensions between English-speaking separatists and the francophone-dominated government.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Bamenda, the capital of Cameroon&#8217;s North-West region, has been at the centre of the conflict.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">It is here that the Pope will hold a Mass for peace and justice at the airport. Local residents hope it might act as a catalyst for reconciliation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;With God coming &#8211; because he is God on Earth &#8211; I know that everything will be solved,&#8221; said Ernestine Afanwi, a 45-year-old woman who fled Bamenda after her house and shop were destroyed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"&quot;If I was face-to-face with the Pope, I would tell him all my problems [and ask] him to anoint the land&quot;&quot;, Source: Ernestine Afanwi, Source description: Displaced person living in Yaound\u00e9, Image: A head and shoulders image of Ernestine Afanwi\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"920\" height=\"748\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/aV3WV0_3Q230dNKHbPjNlg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc4MTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/57e93e954fd271c227f4d04c8cc8b816\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>&#8220;If I was face-to-face with the Pope, I would tell him all my problems [and ask] him to anoint the land&#8221;&#8221;, Source: Ernestine Afanwi, Source description: Displaced person living in Yaound\u00e9, Image: A head and shoulders image of Ernestine Afanwi<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">For the last three years, she and her six children have been living with other internally displaced people at a ramshackle old feed processing plant in the capital, Yaound\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;If I was face-to-face with the Pope, I would tell him all my problems [and ask] him to anoint the land,&#8221; she told the BBC.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The impact of conflict will also be a focus of the stop in Angola, a country which experienced decades of bloody civil war between the mid-1970s and 2002. A key theme will be peace and reconstruction.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In addition to meeting with bishops, the pontiff will celebrate Mass with some 200,000 faithful, in a country where between 40% and 55% of the population identify as Catholic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The presence of the Catholic Church in Angola dates back to the late 15th Century, when Portuguese explorers and missionaries arrived along the Angolan coast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In Equatorial Guinea, the last country on the tour, more than 70% of people identify as Catholic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"A close-up head-and-shoulders profile image of a smiling Pope Leo XIV. A clear blue sky provides the background.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/1t24Dz0qgSjB7Zk.GB8mnA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/cc5e403d17c4f754fb64b763bb4178eb\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>As Cardinal Robert Prevost, the Pope visited several African countries including Kenya and Tanzania [Getty Images]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Social justice is among the issues that the Pope is expected to address in a country whose president has been in power for almost 50 years, making him one of the world&#8217;s longest-serving heads of state.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Critics say President Teodoro Obiang Nguema&#8217;s government is one of the most oppressive in the region, and accuse the regime of human rights abuses &#8211; allegations which the government denies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In addition to meeting with authorities, Pope Leo is expected to visit a psychiatric hospital and a prison, as well as meeting young people.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">While this will be his first pastoral visit to Africa since assuming the leadership of the Catholic Church last year, the Pope is no stranger to the continent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As Cardinal Robert Prevost, he visited several countries including Kenya and Tanzania.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The 70-year-old pontiff will deliver around 25 speeches, as well as meeting political leaders, local Catholic communities and holding interfaith events.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The intensity of the tour is an indication of how the Vatican is prioritising its broader engagement with the continent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">By selecting Africa for this extensive itinerary, says the Vatican, Pope Leo will reinforce the continent&#8217;s role in global Catholic life, showcasing it as a place of faith, resilience and future growth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Additional reporting by Nomsa Maseko, Paul Njie in Yaound\u00e9 and Ager Oueslati in Algiers<\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Map showing the African continent and the four countries that Leo XIV is visiting along with the dates of the visits.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"908\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/f3Dytarz5l7Qz9AV3jFoPg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEwOTA7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/c909e041703d9c08363fd9b33d6fbcb4\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>[BBC]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">You may also be interested in:<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"295\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/X.EL2n7fcUDVmgCDCHEGmA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTI5NTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/c7a608b642136b2879dce57f6fb5d461\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>[Getty Images\/BBC]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Go to <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/bbcafrica.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:BBCAfrica.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;BBCAfrica.com&quot;}\" class=\"link \"><em>BBCAfrica.com<\/em><\/a><em> for more news from the African continent.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Follow us on Twitter <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BBCAfrica\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:@BBCAfrica;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;@BBCAfrica&quot;}\" class=\"link \"><em>@BBCAfrica<\/em><\/a><em>, on Facebook at <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BBCnewsafrica\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:BBC Africa;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;BBC Africa&quot;}\" class=\"link \"><em>BBC Africa<\/em><\/a><em> or on Instagram at <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bbcafrica\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:bbcafrica;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;bbcafrica&quot;}\" class=\"link \"><em>bbcafrica<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">BBC Africa podcasts<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/news\/articles\/pope-prioritises-worlds-fastest-growing-230846869.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pope Leo XIV wants to &ldquo;turn the world&rsquo;s attention to Africa&rdquo;, according to a senior Vatican official, as he embarks on a<br \/><button class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/pope-prioritises-worlds-fastest-growing-catholic-region-in-major-africa-tour\/12\/04\/2026\/\">Read More 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