Vatican City: The Holy See Press Office has released the official mottos and logos for Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming apostolic journey to Africa, which will take place from April 13 to April 23, 2026. The visit will include four countries Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
The announcement was made on Monday, the same day the Vatican published the detailed programme of the Pope’s journey. Each country’s logo and motto reflects its history, faith traditions and the spiritual message of the papal visit.
The logo for Algeria draws inspiration from an ancient bas relief and features two doves drinking from the same cup. The symbol represents peace and communion. The design also includes the Chi Rho, an early Christian symbol, together with the map of Algeria.
The colours green, red and white reflect the Algerian national flag, while yellow represents the Vatican. The motto appears in Arabic, Amazigh and French with the message “Peace be with you.” In Arabic it includes the greeting “Assalamu Alaykom.” The theme highlights dialogue and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims and calls people to live together in fraternity and harmony.
In Cameroon, the logo shows an open Bible, representing the foundation of Christian life. On the pages of the Bible appears the outline of Cameroon filled with the green, red and yellow colours of the national flag.
A crucifix rises from the left side of the design symbolising the proclamation of the Gospel. Beneath it appears the Marian monogram, while at the centre a golden dove spreads rays of light representing the Holy Spirit and the spread of the Good News across the country. The logo also shows Pope Leo XIV in prayer, expressing his pastoral closeness to the people.
The motto for Cameroon reads “May they all be one,” taken from the Gospel of John. The theme reflects unity in Christ and is connected to the Pope’s episcopal motto “In Illo uno unum.”
The logo prepared for Angola uses strong shades of red recalling the blood shed during the country’s history. The map of Angola is crossed by a black wavy line representing both blessing and African identity, symbolising divine protection over the nation.
At the centre is a yellow semicircle shaped like petals that resemble a gear wheel. This element represents work and also reflects the national flag. Together with the cross it symbolises the Eucharist. The petals recall the mulemba tree, an important symbol in Angola, while blue lines represent the country’s rivers.
The motto describes Pope Leo XIV as a pilgrim of hope, reconciliation and peace who brings blessing to Angola and encourages the country to move toward a future of dignity and renewed hope.
In Equatorial Guinea, the logo highlights a golden cross symbolising the risen Christ and the Christian faith. At the centre are the map and flag of the country. On one side the image of a family shows a man, a woman and a child, representing the importance of family life.
Below them appears a man in a boat holding a book, recalling the arrival of the first Christian missionaries by sea about 170 years ago.
The colours gold, green, white and red represent the light of Christ, the land, peace and the struggle for freedom. The motto reads “Christ, light of Equatorial Guinea, towards a future of hope,” pointing to the country’s Christian heritage and its hopes for the future.
Pope Leo XIV’s journey to Africa is expected to focus on themes of peace, unity, reconciliation and hope as he meets local communities and encourages the Church across the continent.