The pope, the first from the United States, is scheduled to visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, traveling nearly 18,000 km (11,185 miles) across 11 cities and towns on 18 flights in one of the most complex papal itineraries in decades.

Cardinal Michael Czerny said the trip was intended “to help turn the world’s attention to Africa,” underscoring the Vatican’s focus on a region where Catholic populations are expanding rapidly.

Leo, 70, has made limited overseas visits since his election last May, including trips to Turkiye and Lebanon late last year, and Monaco in March. The current tour marks his most extensive diplomatic and pastoral journey to date.

The visit will include a stop in Algeria, an overwhelmingly Muslim country with fewer than 10,000 Catholics among a population of around 48 million, marking the first time a sitting pope has visited the country.

Leo is expected to address political leaders there and visit the Great Mosque of Algiers, only his second visit to a mosque as pope.Across the four countries, Leo is scheduled to deliver 25 speeches addressing a range of issues including resource exploitation, interfaith dialogue and political governance, according to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni.

Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea have long-serving leaders who have faced allegations of human rights abuses, which they deny.The largest gathering of the tour is expected in Cameroon’s coastal city of Douala, where Vatican officials estimate around 600,000 people could attend a papal Mass on Friday.

The trip is the 24th papal visit to Africa since the late 1960s and reflects the continent’s growing significance within the global Catholic Church, with more than 20 percent of adherents now based there.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Square after his Regina Coeli prayer, the pontiff said he felt “closer than ever” to Lebanon amid escalating violence, describing a moral obligation under international law to shield civilians from the effects of war.“

The principle of humanity entails the moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war,” he said, addressing crowds gathered at the Vatican.

Lebanon has been drawn into the regional conflict since last month, as Israel intensified strikes against Hezbollah, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 2,000 people killed.

Without naming specific countries, the pope urged warring sides to seek a peaceful resolution, reiterating calls for dialogue and mediation over continued military escalation.

His remarks followed the failure of recent talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan to reach an agreement aimed at ending the broader conflict.

On Saturday, the pope delivered one of his strongest appeals yet against the war, calling on leaders to halt hostilities and return to negotiations. “Stop! It is time for peace!” he said, criticizing what he described as a growing reliance on rearmament and displays of power.

The 70-year-old pontiff, who leads the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, has repeatedly called for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

He is scheduled to travel to Algeria on Monday for an 11-day visit focused on interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties with the Islamic world.

Vatican officials said the trip is intended to engage with the Islamic world and address broader challenges of coexistence amid global tensions.The Algeria leg will be the first stop in a wider travel that includes Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, covering approximately 18,000 kilometers between April 13 and 23.

During his visit to Algiers, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and address government officials and diplomats. He will also visit the Great Mosque of Algiers and meet members of the Catholic community, while holding private prayers for clergy killed during Algeria’s civil war in the 1990s.

A key moment of the trip will come in Annaba, historically associated with Saint Augustine, whose legacy has influenced the pope’s spiritual outlook. Leo, formerly Robert Francis Prevost and a member of the Augustinian order, has often described himself as a “son” of Augustine.

The visit comes as rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, EuroMed Rights and MENA Rights Group, have urged the Vatican to address concerns over restrictions on religious minorities in Algeria.

Algerian officials and local media have highlighted the symbolic significance of the visit, describing it as a reflection of the country’s stability and its role in fostering dialogue on the global stage.

The trip unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the Vatican emphasizing a message centered on interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence.

The 10-day visit will take Leo nearly 18,000 km across 11 cities in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, involving 18 flights in what Vatican officials described as a demanding itinerary.

Cardinal Michael Czerny, a senior Vatican official, said the trip was intended “to help turn the world’s attention to Africa,” emphasizing the pope’s priority to ensure the continent is not overlooked amid global crises.

Leo, the first U.S.-born pope and successor to Pope Francis, has made limited foreign visits since his election last May, including trips to Turkey and Lebanon late last year, and Monaco in March.

Africa accounts for more than 20% of the world’s Catholics, according to Vatican data, and is the fastest-growing region for the Church. In several of the countries on Leo’s itinerary, Catholics make up a majority of the population, while Algeria remains predominantly Muslim with a small Catholic minority.

During the visit, Leo is expected to promote interfaith dialogue, including a visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers, and travel to Annaba to see the ancient ruins of Hippo, associated with St. Augustine of Hippo, a central figure for the Augustinian order to which the pope belongs.

In Cameroon, Leo is scheduled to hold a peace meeting in Bamenda, a region affected by conflict between government forces and separatist groups since 2017.

The pope will also visit Bata, where he is expected to pray at the site of a 2021 explosion at a military barracks that killed more than 100 people.

Church officials and analysts say the tour reflects the Vatican’s strategic and pastoral focus on Africa, highlighting both the continent’s challenges and its role as a center of growth and vitality within global Catholicism.

The visit reflects the MWL’s continued commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and religious awareness throughout the Muslim community, while supporting nations in their pursuit of unity and stability.

The meeting, attended by Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris, focused on several areas of mutual interest, emphasizing the critical role that scholars and religious leaders play in nurturing social harmony and guiding communities toward moderation and tolerance.

The discussions highlighted how faith-based initiatives can serve as powerful tools for strengthening national unity and building bridges between diverse segments of society.

Dr. Al-Issa’s visit comes at a time when many nations are working to reinforce the principles of coexistence and compassion within their societies.

His engagement with Sudanese scholars underscored the MWL’s belief that true religious awareness goes beyond rituals and beliefs—it extends into fostering moral responsibility, respect for others, and a shared sense of humanity.

The dialogue aimed to empower religious figures to play a proactive role in encouraging dialogue, dispelling misconceptions, and countering extremist ideologies that threaten social cohesion.

During the visit, both sides reaffirmed their shared values and commitment to deepening cooperation in religious education, humanitarian initiatives, and cultural exchange.

The discussions touched on ways to promote balanced religious discourse that reflects the core teachings of Islam—peace, mercy, and justice.

Dr. Al-Issa praised the dedication of Sudanese scholars and their efforts in guiding communities through challenges while maintaining unity and faith-based resilience.

The Muslim World League, headquartered in Makkah, has long served as a global platform for promoting moderation, interfaith dialogue, and the true values of Islam.

Under Dr. Al-Issa’s leadership, the MWL has actively expanded its outreach to countries around the world, working with governments, religious institutions, and community organizations to spread messages of peace and mutual respect.

His visit to Sudan reflects this ongoing mission to ensure that religious understanding serves as a foundation for stability and progress.

In his discussions, Dr. Al-Issa highlighted the need for continuous collaboration between religious scholars and state institutions to ensure that faith remains a unifying force rather than a source of division.

He emphasized the importance of educating young people about authentic Islamic teachings that encourage coexistence and compassion, preparing them to become responsible citizens and positive contributors to society.

Prime Minister Kamil Idris expressed appreciation for the MWL’s efforts and for Dr. Al-Issa’s visit, noting that Sudan values the organization’s role in supporting the Muslim community worldwide.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting moderate religious awareness as a cornerstone of national development.

The prime minister also underscored that Sudan welcomes cooperation with international religious bodies to enhance community education and promote moral and spiritual growth.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to explore new initiatives focused on youth empowerment, education, and cultural programs designed to foster understanding among different communities.

Dr. Al-Issa’s visit not only strengthened ties between the MWL and Sudan but also highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of global engagement—one rooted in peace, mutual respect, and humanitarian partnership.

This visit stands as a testament to the Muslim World League’s ongoing efforts to build bridges between nations, encourage cooperation among religious scholars, and support countries in their pursuit of harmony and progress.

By promoting religious awareness based on truth, compassion, and tolerance, the MWL continues to serve as a guiding light for the Muslim world, inspiring nations to embrace unity and shared purpose for a better future.

Dr. Naseef’s remarkable life and career left an enduring legacy of education, interfaith dialogue, and service to Islam, earning him international recognition and respect across communities.

Funeral prayers for the late scholar were held on Sunday at Al-Juffali Mosque in Jeddah, followed by his burial at Al-Asad Cemetery.

Family members, colleagues, and admirers gathered to honor a man remembered not only for his leadership but for his humility, integrity, and lifelong dedication to promoting peace and knowledge.

A Life Devoted to Service and Knowledge

Born in Jeddah in 1939, Dr. Abdullah Naseef earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from King Saud University in 1964 before pursuing an academic career that would span continents and inspire generations.

He rose to become president of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, where his leadership was marked by a vision to strengthen research and expand opportunities for Saudi students in science and higher education.

His scholarly and humanitarian journey took him well beyond academia. Dr. Naseef served as Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Shoura Council, where he was highly respected for his balanced views and unwavering commitment to national progress.

He also led the Muslim World League (MWL) as its Secretary-General, representing Saudi Arabia in global forums from 1983 to 1993, promoting Islamic unity, and advocating for constructive dialogue among civilizations.

An International Ambassador of Peace and Education

Dr. Naseef’s influence extended across borders. He represented the Kingdom at countless international conferences, where he consistently promoted understanding between nations and faiths.

His leadership helped strengthen the Muslim World League’s role as a bridge for global cooperation, emphasizing Islam’s universal values of compassion, justice, and knowledge.

He also co-founded and led several international educational and cultural institutions, including Dar Al-Islam in New Mexico, the Islamic College in Chicago, and the Islamic Academy in Cambridge.

He served as vice president of the International Islamic University in Islamabad and chaired the boards of prominent institutions such as the Islamic Cultural Centers in Geneva and Sydney, and the Institute for the History of Arabic and Islamic Sciences at the University of Frankfurt.

Dr. Naseef was also deeply engaged in humanitarian causes through his work with the International Islamic Relief Organization, World Muslim Congress, and International Islamic Council for Dawah and Relief.

His decades of service earned him numerous accolades, the most notable being the King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam in 1991, recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions to Islamic education and international cooperation.

A Legacy of Leadership and Dialogue

Tributes poured in from across the globe following his passing. Faisal bin Muammar, founding secretary-general of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“My deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing of Abdullah Omar Naseef, who departed this life after a distinguished journey filled with scholarly and humanitarian contributions. He was always a symbol of balance and wisdom — a man whose social and humanitarian legacy will be fondly remembered.”

Dr. Naseef also played a vital role in youth and community development, serving on the World Scout Committee and leading the International Union of Muslim Scouts. He viewed youth engagement as a cornerstone of building a responsible, ethical future generation.

As Chairman of the Abdullah bin Omar Naseef Charitable Foundation, he championed numerous initiatives in education and social welfare. His vision for humanitarian service was rooted in the belief that empowering individuals through education and compassion strengthens societies as a whole.

Remembered as a Scholar of Humanity and Faith

In his decades of service, Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef embodied the essence of faith in action — using knowledge as a tool for peace, dialogue, and development. His scholarly work and leadership bridged cultures and nations, leaving behind an invaluable legacy of learning and understanding.

Today, Saudi Arabia and the global Muslim community remember him not only as a distinguished academic and leader but as a beacon of moral integrity and compassion, whose contributions will continue to inspire future generations.

Held in Washington, D.C., the event brought together dignitaries, faith leaders, human rights advocates, and prominent members of the diaspora to celebrate Maalouf’s decades-long career as a journalist who has fearlessly challenged authoritarianism, exposed extremism, and amplified the voice of Arab women on the global stage.

AMMWEC, known for its efforts to bridge Muslim and multifaith communities through civic engagement and dialogue, praised Maalouf as a “torchbearer of truth in journalism and a trailblazer for Arab women in media.”

“Maria Maalouf’s commitment to exposing radical ideologies and advocating for moderate voices is both courageous and transformative,” said AMMWEC President Anila Ali. “She represents the very essence of our mission—empowering women of faith to be global changemakers.”

In her acceptance speech, Maalouf struck a deeply personal and political tone, calling for renewed global attention to human dignity, justice, and women’s leadership.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by AMMWEC at a time when the world urgently needs voices that unite rather than divide,” she said. “I accept this award not just for myself, but on behalf of every woman who has dared to speak truth to power, every journalist who sheds light on injustice, and every leader who believes peace is the presence of justice.”

Maalouf dedicated the award to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the revered Emirati figure widely known as the “Mother of the Nation.”

“She is a living symbol of compassion, wisdom, and women’s empowerment—not only in the UAE but across the Arab world,” Maalouf said. “I have personally witnessed her unwavering support for Lebanon, especially in times of crisis, and her steadfast commitment to humanitarian aid, education, and dignity.”

Sheikha Fatima, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in the UAE, has long been recognized by international institutions including UN Women and UNESCO for her leadership in advancing gender equality across the Arab world.

Maalouf’s tribute to Sheikha Fatima echoed her own advocacy across platforms like Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia, and Future TV, where she has continuously pushed for democratic reforms, religious tolerance, and women’s representation.

Beyond her media work, Maalouf is known for her outspoken criticism of extremism in the Middle East and for advocating closer cooperation between Arab and Western democracies to foster pluralism and stability.

“Never underestimate your voice,” she said in her final message to women around the world. “Use it to challenge stereotypes, defend the voiceless, and shape the future we all deserve.”

AMMWEC’s recognition of Maria Maalouf comes amid growing calls for Arab women to play more visible roles in diplomacy, counter-extremism, and global governance—an area where Maalouf has consistently led with resilience and clarity.

As Maalouf concluded her remarks, the audience rose in a standing ovation—not just for her, but for the ideals she represents: integrity in journalism, courage in activism, and hope in the face of adversity.

The event drew a diverse audience of diplomats, human rights advocates, faith leaders, and representatives from leading international organizations. Among the attending institutions were the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), Hadassah – The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, UN Women, the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the Combat Hate, Women Who Lead, and UNESCO.

These organizations, each playing a significant role in advancing global peace, social justice, and gender equality, came together in a show of solidarity to celebrate Maalouf’s contributions and reaffirm their shared commitment to empowering women and fostering interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue.

Since the fall of the Assad regime, al-Sharaa has repeatedly stated that Syria does not wish to pose a threat to Israel.

In a potentially game-changing development for the Middle East, Johnnie Moore, a prominent Evangelical pastor and close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has expressed optimism about the prospect of peace between Syria and Israel. Speaking to Reuters following a rare visit to Damascus, Moore stated, “Peace is very possible—perhaps even likely.”

Moore met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) alongside Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights organization. The delegation, focused on interfaith dialogue and humanitarian cooperation, held talks inside the Syrian presidential palace.

While the topic of Israel was not on the official agenda, Moore revealed that the possibility of peace between the two long-time adversaries came up during discussions. “The top priority,” Moore emphasized, “is that Syria focuses on Syria.” However, he noted that President al-Sharaa also acknowledged the “potential for a very positive future.”

Moore currently chairs the Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which oversees aid distribution in Gaza, and also heads the Public Commission at the University of Haifa’s Religion Research Lab. He previously served as a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

A Quiet Shift in the Region?

According to the Reuters report, no official response has yet come from President al-Sharaa’s office. However, the tone of the visit suggests a subtle shift in Syria’s regional outlook.

Rabbi Cooper, who has previously visited Gulf states like Bahrain and the UAE before they normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, described the visit to Damascus as “a walk in the open.” He even noted that he moved freely through the streets of the Syrian capital wearing a Jewish skullcap (kippah)—a striking contrast to his experience in Saudi Arabia last year, where he was asked to remove it by an official, prompting the early end of a U.S. congressional delegation’s visit.

Cooper and Moore, both long-time advocates of Arab-Jewish interfaith dialogue, said they believe President al-Sharaa is capable of advancing peace. Moore described him as a “unicorn” in Middle Eastern politics—a rare figure who could potentially alter the course of regional dynamics.

“There’s a real window of opportunity here,” Cooper said, while cautioning, “but that doesn’t reduce the size of the task ahead.”

The duo reportedly suggested launching grassroots humanitarian initiatives to “break stereotypes and create an informal corps of goodwill ambassadors,” though they declined to elaborate on specifics.

They also met with members of Syria’s Christian community during their visit, further emphasizing the mission’s interfaith character.

Secret Syria-Israel Channel?

The backdrop to this visit is a recent report claiming that the United Arab Emirates helped establish a secret communication channel between Syria and Israel at President al-Sharaa’s request. These backchannel talks reportedly focus on intelligence-sharing and security cooperation, with the broader aim of trust-building.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Damascus sees Abu Dhabi’s Abraham Accords with Israel as a potential framework for resolving long-standing issues—particularly since Syria and Israel currently lack direct diplomatic ties.

Since the fall of the Assad regime, al-Sharaa has repeatedly stated that Syria does not wish to pose a threat to Israel. In fact, his administration has taken the unprecedented step of detaining senior Islamic Jihad figures believed to be linked to the October 7 massacre.

A letter sent last month by Syria’s Foreign Ministry to the U.S. State Department, obtained by Reuters, declared: “We will not allow Syria to become a source of threat to any country—including Israel.”

However, not all observers are convinced. Senior Israeli officials remain wary, accusing al-Sharaa of deceiving the international community. “Behind the suit and diplomatic gestures lies a dangerous vision for an Islamist regime just as threatening as the previous one,” one Israeli intelligence source warned.

Trump’s Quiet Diplomacy?

The report also noted that President Trump held a private meeting with al-Sharaa last month, though details remain undisclosed. This adds weight to the growing speculation that informal diplomacy—possibly brokered by Trump allies—could be laying the groundwork for a future peace accord between Syria and Israel.

For now, the road remains uncertain, but voices like Moore and Cooper suggest that, amid the ruins of conflict and mistrust, a new horizon may be emerging—one where Syria and Israel could chart a path toward reconciliation.

The message, posted on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, read: “We wish our fellow citizens and neighbors celebrating the Eid al-Adha that their prayers and acts of sharing be accepted and make the world a better place for us all. The Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States”.

The tweet concluded with #EidMubarak and the organization’s signature in both English and Arabic.

ARIS, which represents Jewish communities across Muslim-majority countries, has gained recognition for promoting peaceful coexistence, religious freedom, and mutual respect. The alliance’s mission, as outlined on its official website, includes supporting Jewish life within Islamic states, enabling religious practice, and building interfaith bridges—especially through dialogue inspired by the Abraham Accords.

Operating across Asia, Africa, and Europe, ARIS aims to empower local Jewish communities through kosher food accessibility, Jewish education, and spiritual leadership. The alliance has also launched initiatives to engage with local governments, support Jewish visitors in Muslim countries, and facilitate interfaith discussions with Islamic clerics and scholars.

Part of its long-term vision includes an annual summit hosted in a Muslim country, featuring interreligious dialogue, training, and strategic networking. The group also actively promotes its work through multilingual online content in Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, and English, positioning itself as a leading voice for Jewish affairs within Muslim societies.

This latest gesture during one of Islam’s holiest festivals reinforces ARIS’s dedication to fostering trust and shared values between Jewish and Muslim communities—a rare yet vital alliance in an increasingly polarized world.

The statement, issued from the General Secretariat in Makkah, reaffirmed the MWL’s unwavering stance—shared by the broader Islamic world—against all forms of violence and terrorism. It categorically rejected any justification for such acts and strongly opposed the exploitation of religion or culture to legitimize terrorism.

In its message, the MWL emphasized that terrorism has no place in any faith or tradition, and it should not be associated with any race, religion, or community. “Violent extremism must be condemned unequivocally, regardless of its form or manifestation,” the statement declared.

The timing of the statement was significant, coming shortly after a high-profile meeting between MWL Secretary General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jeddah on Tuesday. The meeting highlighted shared concerns around global terrorism and deepened the dialogue between India and the Islamic world on peacebuilding and counter-extremism efforts.

The MWL’s remarks also referenced a recent joint statement issued during PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where both nations reinforced their commitment to combat terrorism and its financing. The MWL praised the “pivotal Saudi-Indian cooperation” and called for dismantling the cross-border terror infrastructure and bringing its perpetrators to justice.

Headquartered in Makkah, the MWL is one of the most prominent Islamic non-governmental organizations, with a global presence aimed at promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian outreach. Under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, the MWL has taken a progressive stance against extremism, earning international respect for its efforts to build bridges across faiths and cultures.

India’s connection with the MWL has grown in recent years, especially under Prime Minister Modi’s outreach to the Muslim world. Dr. Al-Issa’s public condemnation of terrorism reflects a growing strategic alignment between India and key Islamic institutions in promoting global peace and fighting radical ideologies.