16-22 March 2026

Vatican News

Vatican releases mottos and logos for Pope's Apostolic Journey to Africa (Photo: Vatican News)The Holy See Press Office released on Monday the mottos and logos for Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea from 13 to 23 April 2026. Algeria’s logo features two doves sharing a cup and the Chi Rho symbol, with the motto “Peace be with you” in Arabic, Amazigh, and French, reflecting Christian-Muslim dialogue. Cameroon’s design includes an open Bible with a golden dove, the national flag, and the motto “May they all be one,” emphasizing unity in Christ. Angola’s logo, in red tones, depicts a gear-like cross and mulemba tree, while Equatorial Guinea’s golden cross highlights the country’s flag, a family, and the arrival of early missionaries by sea 170 years ago. Read more →

Pope Leo’s schedule for Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea (Photo: Vatican News)From April 13 to 23, 2026, Pope Leo will undertake a 10-day Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, his third overseas trip since becoming pope, following visits to Turkey and Lebanon in late 2025 and Monaco in March 2026. The Holy See Press Office released the full itinerary, which includes six greetings, ten addresses and eight homilies across eleven cities. In Algeria, he will arrive in Algiers on April 13, meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, visit the Great Mosque and the Maqam Echahit Martyr’s Monument, and travel to Annaba the next day to pray at Hippo’s archaeological site and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine. Read more →

Pope Leo speaks by phone with Palestinian President Abbas (Photo: Vatican News)On Monday morning, Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, at the latter’s request, according to the Holy See Press Office. The call addressed “the alarming developments in the conflict in the Middle East and the living conditions of the Palestinian people.” The Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to peace through political and diplomatic dialogue and full respect for international law. Read more →

Regional Activities

Asia and Oceania

Australia: A Pilgrimage that Begins at the Shore (Photo: OMI World)From March 17 to 27, Fr. General will visit Oblate communities across Australia, following the path of the first missionaries who arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia, in 1894 at the invitation of Bishop Matthew Gibney. Frs. Roger Hennesy and Daniel O’Ryan were the first Oblates to serve the seaport parish, care for young people, and preach missions among the poor and seafarers of the Fremantle Fishing Fleet. During his visit, Fr. General will travel to Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, engaging with Oblate ministries in parishes, schools, street outreach, hospitals, and formation houses. The pilgrimage will conclude with the blessing of St. Eugene’s Retreat and Conference Centre in Fremantle, a new initiative inspired by the Oblates’ founding mission. Read more →

Europe

Cagliari Encounter: Father General Visits St. Elia Parish (Photo: OMI World)Gennaro ROSATO, OMI Father General visited Sant’Elia Parish in Cagliari over the last weekend of January, engaging with the community, Oblates and families in their homes. On January 30 he began a 48-hour immersion, meeting local Oblates to discuss their ministry and celebrating Mass at the parish church after a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria. In the parish hall that evening, nearly every group shared their work, and Father General reminded everyone that the Oblate charism belongs to all, highlighting the gifts of laypeople. On Sunday he took the mission into the streets, visiting neighbors in their homes, including an elderly woman, a young family and parents grieving a child, before closing with a shared meal that felt like a family gathering. Read more →

Canada and United States

NDC–Quebec in Assembly: A Time of Renewal Gathered in Richelieu (Photo: OMI World)On March 13, 2026, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province concluded their provincial assembly in Richelieu, bringing together members from across Canada for three days of spiritual conversation. Despite aging numbers and shrinking missions, the gathering revealed a vibrant missionary spirit, with Oblates from Nigeria, Cameroon, Madagascar, France, Poland, Haiti and the United States joining Canadians in renewed fraternity. The assembly reflected on declining numbers and aging membership without despair, affirming that the mission belongs to the Lord and calls for fresh collaboration and presence in Quebec. Participants also prepared for new provincial leadership, trusting that the Oblate charism continues to bear fruit in this changing time. Read more →

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