The arrests were made on Friday, June 5, 2026. Of those detained, 46 were found in Kigabiro Sector, Cyanya Cell, inside a forest where worshippers had nicknamed the site “Senga usubizwe” (Pray and be answered).
Among the 46 were 12 men and 34 women, including 10 nursing mothers. Ten students who were preparing for national examinations were also among those arrested after reportedly skipping school to pray, hoping for good results.
Another group of 22 people was arrested in Gahengeri Sector, Kagezi Cell, at Samatare rock site. The area had previously been sealed off by authorities using concrete due to safety concerns, but worshippers reportedly broke through the structure to access the site. Five nursing mothers were among those detained.
The Vice Mayor of Rwamagana in charge of Economic Development, Kagabo Rwamunono Richard, told IGIHE that those arrested were found praying in different illegal locations, with most coming from Rwamagana and others from Kayonza, Nyagatare, and Gatsibo districts.
“Most of them are from Rwamagana, but others came from Kayonza, Nyagatare, and Gatsibo. These are not authorized worship sites. They are forest areas that pose serious risks to their safety. We also found others at Samatare rock, which we had closed because it is dangerous. It is unfortunate that people choose such places to seek God,” he said.
He also accused the group of defying government decisions and damaging infrastructure that had been put in place for their protection.
He cited Samatare cave, where the government reportedly spent over Rwf3 million to secure the site and prevent accidents.
“Our message is that God is not found in caves or forests, and certainly not in places that endanger lives. The government does not allow such practices. Everyone should use recognized places of worship. Churches are available,” he said.
Authorities said the arrested individuals are currently undergoing civic education. They also indicated that the suspects may be required to pay for the damaged infrastructure and could face penalties for defying government directives and mobilizing others to do the same.
In 2024, during the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, the Ministry of Health reported that the first patient was believed to have been infected through bats found in a mining cave near Kigali.
Since then, several cave sites across the country have been closed or reinforced. At Samatare rock, where some of the worshippers were arrested, authorities had previously spent more than Rwf3.3 million reinforcing the site for public safety, before it was damaged again by those accessing it for prayer.
Of those detained, 46 were found in Kigabiro Sector, Cyanya Cell, inside a forest where worshippers had nicknamed the site “Senga usubizwe” (Pray and be answered).
He made the remarks during a press conference held on May 27, 2026, as Muslims across Rwanda celebrated Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays in Islam.
Speaking to journalists, Sheikh Sindayigaya was asked about the progress of a request submitted earlier this year by the Muslim community seeking permission for the Adhan to be publicly broadcast through mosque loudspeakers.
The request was presented to Paul Kagame on March 25, 2026, during his meeting with Muslim faithful at BK Arena.
The Mufti explained that the Adhan continues to be recited inside mosques, while loudspeakers remain authorized for the other daily prayer calls except the one performed before sunrise.
“The issue concerns the morning prayer call being broadcast through loudspeakers. The other prayer calls are already allowed to use loudspeakers, but the early morning one remains restricted,” he said.
According to Sheikh Sindayigaya, President Kagame received the request positively and asked relevant institutions to examine the matter further.
During the March meeting, President Kagame encouraged authorities to assess the issue.
The Mufti added that he has since held several discussions with the Minister of Local Government regarding the matter and was informed that authorities are still assessing possible ways forward.
“I have spoken several times with the Minister of Local Government, who was also present during the meeting. We remain in discussions, and he asked us to be patient as they continue examining how it could be implemented,” Sheikh Sindayigaya said.
In March 2022, authorities suspended the broadcasting of the Adhan in Kigali, citing Article 267 of Rwanda’s law governing offenses and penalties.
Muslims across Rwanda turned up in a large numbe as they celebrated Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays in Islam. The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Musa, has said discussions with authorities have given hope that the early morning Muslim call to prayer, known as the Adhan, could resume.
Eid Al-Adha is the second most significant festival in Islam and is observed during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is celebrated over three days.
The national Eid prayer was held at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo, where large crowds gathered for worship and celebration.
As part of the traditions surrounding the holiday, animals are sacrificed in remembrance of Abraham’s faith, with the meat shared among families, neighbours, and those in need as an act of charity and solidarity. This year, preparations included around 1,894 cattle and 1,183 goats and sheep across the country.
Religious leaders emphasised that the essence of Eid goes beyond ritual practices, focusing instead on generosity, unity, and compassion. Sheikh Nshuti Assouman, speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC), said preparations for the celebrations were well organised and encouraged Muslims to extend kindness to all people, regardless of faith.
“What we ask is that people show generosity and charity, because this is a day of sacrifice. I encourage Muslims to extend this kindness to all Rwandans,” he said.
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, also called on Muslims to strengthen unity and continue engaging in good deeds throughout the blessed days of Eid.
He noted that the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, along with Eid day itself, are spiritually significant periods for reflection, worship, and acts of kindness.
“These are blessed days. When you do good, you are richly rewarded,” he said.
He further reflected on the example of Prophet Abraham, highlighting lessons of faith, devotion, and obedience to God.
The Mufti also highlighted ongoing community efforts, including the construction of a mosque in Itunda, Kicukiro District, Kanombe Sector, which is nearing completion and reflects the spirit of collective contribution among Muslims in Rwanda.
Parents were elegantly dressed for the occasion.Children were also not left out.Fathers brought their children to pray.Eid al-Adha is marked by widespread happiness and celebration.Youth turned out in large numbers for the Eid prayer of sacrifice.This day is the second most significant in Islam.Kigali Pelé Stadium was packed as Muslims gathered from various regions for Eid Al-Adha prayers.Men gathered and prayed in their allocated area.The national Eid prayer took place at Kigali Pelé Stadium.Kigali Pelé Stadium was packed as Muslims from various regions gathered for the Eid sacrifice prayer.The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, called on Muslims to continue showing love and selflessness.
The call was made at the end of a three-day retreat held in Gatsibo District from May 18 to 20, 2026.
The gathering brought together 59 leaders from AER member churches and Christian organizations, including pastors and senior representatives, to reflect on the role of faith-based institutions in promoting national unity, values and sustainable development.
Discussions focused on several themes, including “Ndi Umunyarwanda,” Pan-Africanism and self-reliance, with participants exploring how churches can contribute to social cohesion and national progress.
AER President Anfred Gatabazi said the retreat aimed to evaluate the alliance’s progress in aligning church programs with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 goals.
“We invited representatives from the Pan-Africanism Movement to help our pastors better understand programs such as Ndi Umunyarwanda and their importance,” he said. “We also resolved to strengthen gender equality in churches, fight violence against girls and encourage church leaders to address harmful social behaviors while increasing awareness of national programs among believers.”
Ada Darlene Kiyange, head of AER’s Family Development Commission, said participants also discussed ways churches could strengthen financial independence through income-generating initiatives.
“We reflected on how to promote the values of Ndi Umunyarwanda and a spirit of love for Africa so that Christians develop a stronger sense of identity, unity and shared responsibility,” she said.
Prof. Emile Rwamasirabo of the Pan-African Movement Rwanda said churches have an important role to play in promoting a culture of cooperation and solidarity among Africans.
“We want to see a shift in mindset that encourages collaboration and mutual support,” he said. “Churches can help shape that change by teaching values that reject division and hatred.”
Participants at the retreat also agreed to reinforce good governance within AER institutions by promoting transparency, accountability and integrity.
They further resolved to expand income-generating projects aimed at reducing dependence on foreign aid and strengthening self-reliance among member organizations.
The retreat concluded with a commitment to integrate the values of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” and Pan-Africanism more deeply into church programs and community activities, while aligning annual plans with national strategies such as NST2 and Vision 2050.
Founded in 1992, the Evangelical Alliance of Rwanda brings together 91 churches and Christian organizations across the country.
The gathering brought together 59 leaders from AER member churches and Christian organizations.
Among the pilgrims, 62 traveled aboard a RwandAir flight, while the remaining 10 traveled separately after receiving tickets from the Saudi Arabian Embassy.
Performing Hajj is considered a religious obligation for every Muslim who is financially able to undertake the journey. The pilgrimage costs around $7,800 per person and represents the fifth pillar of Islam.
The other pillars include believing in one God and that Prophet Mohammed is His messenger, praying five times a day, giving charity, and observing the holy month of Ramadan through fasting.
Before departure, the pilgrims — both men and women — were encouraged to respect all rituals associated with the pilgrimage and remain committed to prayer throughout the journey.
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, urged the pilgrims to pray for Rwanda’s continued peace and development.
“Stay united, pray for the country so it continues to enjoy security and progress, pray for the nation’s leaders, and also remember those who have not yet had the opportunity to go to Mecca so they may one day make the pilgrimage as well,” he said.
Sheikh Sindayigaya also praised the role of RwandAir in making the journey easier for pilgrims.
He explained that before the partnership with the airline, travelers from Rwanda often had to transit through Dubai, spending long hours on connecting flights and waiting at airports, with total travel time sometimes reaching 15 hours.
“Now the journey takes only about three and a half hours. There is less fatigue, no risk of losing luggage, and no long delays because they travel directly to their destination,” he said.
One of the pilgrims, Wibabara Assouma, expressed excitement about fulfilling one of Islam’s key religious obligations.
“As God said, this is holy land. When you pray there with faith, there is hope that your prayers will be answered. Above all, you fulfill an important pillar of Islam, and you do not return spiritually the same way you left because your soul is purified,” she said.
Over the past three years, since RwandAir began working with the Muslim community in Rwanda, the airline has transported 227 pilgrims to Mecca, including this year’s group of 62 travelers.
Families and relatives bid farewell to pilgrims leaving Rwanda for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam.The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, addressed pilgrims before their departure for the holy city of Mecca.Muslim pilgrims departing from Rwanda were encouraged to pray for peace, unity, and national development during their journey to Mecca.Ten pilgrims traveled separately after receiving tickets from the Saudi Arabian Embassy.
Sheikha Fatima affirmed the humanitarian approach of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to the values of giving and development.
This is a hallmark of the UAE community and is carried forward by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose inspiring vision for development, prosperity, and the preservation of heritage drives the country’s aid ecosystem. An integral part of that vision is the preservation of Arab heritage and Islamic culture.
The UAE announcement of restoration of the Umayyad Mosque came during a visit by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria.
Al Kaabi stated, “Syria occupies a unique place at the heart of Arab and Islamic civilisation, and the Umayyad Mosque is one of its most prominent historical landmarks and enduring cultural symbols. The UAE’s announcement of the restoration of this mosque, with the generous support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ reflects the importance of our shared heritage and culture, and the UAE’s unwavering support for the Syrian people.”
She emphasised the UAE’s commitment to preserving history and heritage, which is evident in the launch of cultural initiatives aimed at safeguarding Arab and Islamic heritage on the one hand, and rehabilitating cultural heritage in the Arab region on the other. This is part of the UAE’s leading global role and its distinguished record in cultural diplomacy and humanitarian work.
She explained that the initiative to restore the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus will include the structural and architectural rehabilitation of the mosque, as well as the broader revitalisation of the surrounding historical area, in a manner that aligns with the Syrian identity and the economic, cultural, and social fabric of the country.
UAE is set to restore Umayyad Mosque in Damascus with support from Sheikha Fatima
The Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, confirmed that the Church is examining the matter following widespread reactions online.
Reports and videos circulating on social media show a group of people gathered, announcing the installation of a leader they refer to as both “Pope” and “Parent of the Chosen.”
The individual presented as this leader is Faustin Harerimana, who was symbolically handed a staff, a cross, and a Bible, described as the word of God.
Harerimana stated that every baptized Catholic is “chosen,” suggesting that his movement is rooted in that belief. He also claimed to have received a mission, though he acknowledged that some leaders within the Catholic Church in Rwanda do not recognize it.
“Some Church leaders appear to oppose us, though not all,” he said. “This is actually their mission. They should be asking what kind of garment they have given Christians, and whether the wedding feast of the Lamb is being prepared here in Rwanda.”
He added that his group prays for Catholics to understand and follow what they call the message of “the Chosen.”
“We are not struggling in vain,” he said. “We are a prepared people, ready to unite with Christ in a kingdom of love, justice, and peace. At this moment, we pray for our brothers and sisters who do not yet understand us, so they do not set us against the Church. We are not against the Church; in fact, we believe we belong to it fully.”
Harerimana further argued that if all Christians embraced the identity of “the Chosen,” the country would experience greater peace, insisting that such a calling promotes love expressed through actions.
Responding to the development, Cardinal Kambanda told IGIHE that the Church is actively investigating the situation to clarify what has happened.
“We are looking into it to determine what should be done and to clear any confusion,” he said in a brief statement.
Some Catholic clergy have also weighed in. Father Theophile Niyonsenga, currently serving in Spain, noted that while he is unfamiliar with the group, the Church must carefully examine the origins and motivations behind such movements.
He cautioned that if the claims are based on alleged apparitions, the Church cannot rely on such grounds and warned that it could amount to serious doctrinal error.
Father Dominique Mundere, a student in Rome, expressed concern over why the group continues to associate itself with the Catholic Church despite its controversial claims.
Reports indicate that members of the self-proclaimed “Chosen” group are both within Rwanda and abroad, spread across different countries.
This development comes at a time when the Catholic Church in Rwanda recently marked 125 years since its establishment in the country. The Church currently comprises 236 parishes across nine dioceses, with over five million faithful, 1,160 priests and 3,884 nuns.
The group, known as “the Chosen,” claims to have installed their own Pope.The Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, confirmed that the Church is examining the matter following widespread reactions online. Harerimana says he is not against the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV began his African tour on April 13, starting in Algeria before concluding his visit there on April 14, 2026.
In Cameroon, the Pope is expected to focus on key themes including peace, coexistence, youth development, and holistic human development—covering economic, social, spiritual, and physical dimensions of life.
Antoine Kambanda was elevated to Cardinal on November 28, 2020, by Pope Francis.
Since then, the Vatican has appointed him as a member of the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Dicastery for Culture and Education in the Catholic Church.
Cardinals who accompany the Pope on his apostolic journeys are often those whose responsibilities align with the main themes of the visit.
During the wider African tour, Pope Leo XIV is also expected to focus on youth development, human progress, and the impact of corruption and colonial legacy in Angola.
In Equatorial Guinea, the Pope will emphasize education, culture, and the role of the Church in promoting peace.
A significant number of African Cardinals are part of the delegation accompanying Pope Leo XIV on this tour.
The Catholic Church has increasingly appointed African Cardinals to senior global roles, as part of efforts to strengthen the Church’s presence on a continent where more than 20% of its faithful live.
Cardinal Kambanda is among clergy accompanying Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon.
This is not a routine diplomatic stop; it is a calculated recognition of a continent that has become the new center of gravity for the world’s most pressing conversations on faith, diplomacy, and unity.
The 11-day itinerary, spanning Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, is a grueling schedule involving 18 flights and 11 cities. In practice, it represents a bold pivot toward the Global South, moving Africa from the periphery of international discourse to its vital center.
A strategic opening in Algiers
The decision to launch the tour in Algeria is a significant diplomatic statement. As a nation where Islam is the bedrock of social life, Algeria has never before hosted a Catholic Pope. By beginning his journey here, Leo XIV is prioritizing interfaith dialogue over traditional denominational strongholds.
Pope Leo is the first pope to visit Algeria.
The symbolism is profound: the Pontiff’s schedule includes a historic visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers, one of the world’s largest, followed by a meeting with the local Christian community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa. These visits are an active demonstration of how divergent faiths can occupy the same intellectual and physical space.
Furthermore, the visit serves as a historical homecoming. On April 14, the Pope travels to Annaba, the ancient Hippo Regius, to pray at the ruins where Saint Augustine, a foundational architect of Western thought, lived and ministered. For Leo XIV, an Augustinian himself, this is a nod to the African roots of Christian philosophy, a reminder that the continent’s contribution to global thought is as ancient as it is essential.
The new heart of global Catholicism
Beyond the symbolism lies a demographic reality: Africa is now the primary engine of the Catholic Church’s growth. The continent is home to over 256 million Catholics, representing roughly one-fifth of the global total. While participation in the West plateaus, African congregations are expanding at a rate that has fundamentally inverted the old “missionary” narrative.
Pope Leo XIV visits Maqam Echahid (Martyrs’ Memorial) monument in El Madania, Algiers, Algeria, April 13, 2026, to begin his apostolic journey to Algeria, Angola, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
Today, Africa no longer just receives the faith; it exports it. African priests and lay leaders are increasingly filling the administrative and spiritual voids of the Global North. By visiting Cameroon and Angola, Leo XIV is engaging with the very people who will dictate the future trajectory of the institution.
Navigating high-stakes realities
Each stop on the itinerary is strategically calibrated to address specific regional or global tensions, moving the journey beyond simple ritual into the realm of high-stakes diplomacy.
From Wednesday, April 15, to Saturday, April 18, the Pope will visit Cameroon, a nation of 30 million people, where he will venture into Bamenda. This region has been marked by years of socio-political tension, making his “Meeting for Peace” at St. Joseph’s Cathedral a high-stakes effort toward national reconciliation.
Pope Leo XIV addresses journalists during the flight heading to Algiers on April 13, 2026. Pope Leo XIV embarks on April 13 on an 11-day visit to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea for his first major international trip since becoming pontiff in May 2025.
This serious diplomatic mission will be balanced by a massive show of faith in Douala, where an estimated 600,000 faithful are expected to gather at Japoma Stadium for a landmark Eucharistic celebration.
The journey then shifts to Angola from Saturday, April 18, to Tuesday, April 21. During this leg, the Pontiff will travel to the Marian shrine of Mama Muxima, a site of profound cultural and spiritual devotion, to pray for peace in a nation still navigating the scars of its civil war history.
His itinerary also includes a visit to Saurimo, a hub of the diamond industry, where he intends to highlight the human dignity and ethical stakes involved in Africa’s vast natural resource wealth.
The tour concludes in Equatorial Guinea from Tuesday, April 21, to Thursday, April 23, with a final focus on “works of mercy.” In the capital and beyond, Leo XIV will visit the Jean Pierre Olie Psychiatric Hospital and engage with academics at the National University’s León XIV Campus, a sequence of events designed to bridge the gap between grassroots social care and the continent’s growing intellectual influence.
The sheer scale of the mission, covering nearly 18,000 kilometers, underscores its urgency. For a 70-year-old leader, the pace is demanding, but the objective is clear: visibility. By visiting coastal hubs, diamond centers, and conflict-affected regions, the tour brings a global spotlight to areas frequently overlooked by the Western media apparatus.
Ultimately, this tour is an exercise in recognition. It acknowledges a continent that is no longer “in waiting,” but is actively leading global conversations. Over these 11 days, Pope Leo XIV is not merely visiting four nations; he is engaging with a continent that is currently writing the next chapter of global history. In a world defined by fragmentation, this move to center Africa may well be the most important diplomatic statement of his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV disembarks the papal plane upon his arrival at Houari Boumediene International Airport to begin his apostolic journey to Algeria, Angola, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, in Dar El Beida, Algiers, Algeria, April 13, 2026.
The trip is expected to be one of the most demanding of his early pontificate, combining intense travel, high-level diplomacy, and major religious celebrations across a continent where the Catholic Church is growing rapidly.
Africa is now home to about 288 million Catholics, roughly 20.3 percent of the global Catholic population, according to the Vatican Yearbook (2024). The visit is therefore seen as both symbolic and strategic, highlighting the Church’s growing center of gravity in the Global South.
Pope Leo will travel with senior Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Cardinal Peter Turkson, as well as diplomatic and communications teams. Around 70 journalists will accompany the delegation. In total, the pope will complete 12 plane journeys and four helicopter transfers, delivering multiple speeches, homilies, and greetings in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
April 13–15: Algeria – Peace, memory, and dialogue
The journey will begin in Algeria, where Pope Leo will make the first papal visit in the country’s history. He will be received in Algiers by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in a state ceremony that includes full military honors.
His program in the capital will include a visit to the Maqam Echaid memorial for Algeria’s war of independence, a private meeting at the presidential palace, and a major address to political, diplomatic, and civil society leaders. The speech is expected to focus on peacebuilding and dialogue in a country shaped by both colonial legacy and a violent civil war in the 1990s.
On April 14, he will travel to Annaba, the ancient city of Hippo and the historic seat of St. Augustine. There he will pray at archaeological sites linked to the saint, meet religious communities caring for the poor and elderly, and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine.
On April 15, after meetings with local bishops and the Catholic community, he will leave Algeria for Cameroon.
April 15–18: Cameroon – Calls for unity and reconciliation
Pope Leo will be welcomed in Yaoundé by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute and will later meet President Paul Biya, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
In the capital, he is expected to address political leaders, diplomats, and civil society at the Palace of Congresses, with a message focused on peace and national unity. His visit comes at a time when Cameroon continues to face conflict in its English-speaking regions.
On April 16, he will travel to Bamenda in the northwest, where he will take part in an “encounter for peace” with Christian and Muslim leaders at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. He will also celebrate a large open-air Mass for tens of thousands of faithful before returning to Yaoundé.
On April 17, he will travel to Douala, Cameroon’s largest city and economic hub, where he will celebrate Mass at Japoma Stadium and visit a hospital. Later, he will address students and academics at the Catholic University of Central Africa.
On April 18, he will celebrate Mass at the airport in Yaoundé before continuing his journey to Angola.
April 18–21: Angola – Healing and social justice
In Luanda, Pope Leo will be welcomed by President João Manuel Gonçalves and will take part in official state ceremonies. He is expected to address national leaders on issues including poverty, inequality, corruption, and post-war reconstruction.
Angola, still shaped by the legacy of its civil war (1975–2002), will provide a key backdrop for his messages on reconciliation and development.
On April 19, he will celebrate a major outdoor Mass in Kilamba, expected to draw around 200,000 people. He will later travel to Muxima, one of Africa’s most important Marian shrines, where millions of pilgrims visit each year.
On April 20, he will visit Saurimo in the country’s diamond-rich northeast, meeting the elderly and celebrating Mass for large crowds. He will later return to Luanda for meetings with bishops and Church leaders.
On April 21, he will leave Angola for Equatorial Guinea, marking the anniversary of Pope Francis’s death.
April 21–23: Equatorial Guinea – Youth, hope and renewal
Pope Leo will be received in Malabo by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. He will meet government officials and address civil society at the presidential palace, followed by an engagement with students and staff at the newly named Leo XIV Campus of the National University.
On April 22, he will travel to Mongomo, where he will celebrate Mass in one of Africa’s largest churches before visiting a technical school and continuing to Bata. There he will visit a prison, meet victims of a 2021 explosion, and address young people and families at the stadium.
On April 23, he will conclude his African journey with a final Mass in Malabo before departing for Rome, where he is expected to hold a press conference reflecting on the visit.
Across 10 days, Pope Leo’s first African trip is expected to underline the continent’s growing importance in the Catholic Church. With a focus on peace, dialogue, and development, the visit will be closely watched as both a spiritual pilgrimage and a major diplomatic moment in the early months of his papacy.
Pope Leo’s first African trip is expected to underline the continent’s growing importance in the Catholic Church.
