Millions of people were able to accompany Pope Leo XIV during his apostolic visit to the African continent. This was possible thanks to Radio Maria’s presence in three of the four countries visited—Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea—with the exception of Algeria. The spiritual preparation took place in various ways.

In Kibeho, a special intention was included in each weekly continental Rosary, prayed in different languages: French, English, Portuguese, and Swahili. All Radio Maria stations—especially those in the countries visited—also promoted moments of preparation through Holy Mass, the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, novenas, and other prayer initiatives. In the days leading up to the Holy Father’s arrival in Africa, the stations organized dedicated programs to explain the role of the Pope in the Catholic Church and the spiritual and pastoral importance of apostolic journeys.

It was also an opportunity to revisit the messages of previous Pontiffs who had visited the continent, such as Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. During both the preparation and the actual visit, Radio Maria confirmed its role as a privileged voice of the Catholic Church, offering constant updates at every stage of the journey. The African stations adapted their schedules, broadcasting live the Pope’s celebrations and meetings in multiple languages. Millions of Africans were able to pray together with the Holy Father and listen to his messages in real time.

During his visit, Pope Leo XIV not only prayed with the African people but also encountered their suffering firsthand, by visiting orphanages, hospitals, and prisons. His presence was marked by a strong call for social justice: he denounced corruption, inequality, and extreme poverty, often worsened by the exploitation of natural resources at the expense of local populations. His appeal for peace was particularly well received. Great attention was also given to young people: The Holy Father met with university students, encouraging them to invest in the future of their own countries, without yielding to the temptation of seeking an apparently easier life elsewhere. At the same time, he urged political authorities to create favorable conditions for young people to develop their talents and build a dignified future.

On the spiritual level, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to live the Catholic faith fully, avoiding forms of syncretism with traditional religions. He also joyfully acknowledged the dynamism of the African Church: a vibrant faith, a growing number of believers, and a significant increase in priestly and religious vocations. In light of this, he invited the Church in Africa to strengthen its missionary vocation.

It should be noted that millions of Africans can follow the Holy Father daily thanks to the news from Vatican Radio, retransmitted by Radio Maria in various languages. This service helps make the Pope a familiar and close presence—not distant, but part of the daily life of the faithful in Africa. Of course, being able to see and meet the Holy Father in person on African soil represents an extraordinary added value, especially considering that only a few can afford a pilgrimage to Rome.

African Radio Maria stations are proud to have contributed to the preparation of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic visit, allowing millions of people to pray with him and receive his messages, rich in spiritual and pastoral content. This commitment continues even after the visit, through catechesis, round tables, and in-depth discussions, so that these messages may have a lasting impact. We could say that Pope Leo XIV’s popularity in Africa is comparable to that of Pope John Paul II. The African continent continues to pray for his mission, recognizing him as a tireless witness to the Gospel and to peace.