On a four-country tour of the continent, where the faith is growing faster than anywhere else, the pontiff will be greeted by enthusiastic crowds and authoritarian leaders.
Africa represents the fastest-growing part of the Catholic Church. The pope's 2026 journey will stop in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Algeria and Angola.
Cameroon's parliament has approved a constitutional amendment to reintroduce the vice president position, a move the opposition says will strengthen President Paul Biya's power.