Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic Africa Tour with Landmark Visit to Algeria
Pope Leo XIV has commenced an 11-day tour of Africa, arriving in Algeria on Monday in what marks a historic first visit by a Catholic pontiff to the Muslim-majority nation.
The trip, which will also take him to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, is aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties between Christian and Muslim communities.
According to Jean-Paul Vesco, the visit seeks to “build bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds,” as the pope engages with religious and political leaders across the region.
However, the visit has drawn international attention following sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly disagreed with the pope’s stance on the ongoing Iran conflict. The pontiff had earlier condemned threats against civilians, describing such actions as “unacceptable.”
Despite the controversy, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for the visit, wishing the pope success in fostering peace and reconciliation across nations.
In Algiers, the pope is scheduled to meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, address diplomats, and honour victims of Algeria’s war of independence. His itinerary also includes visits to key religious sites such as the Great Mosque of Algiers and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa.
The visit carries deep personal significance for Pope Leo XIV, who draws spiritual inspiration from Saint Augustine, one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers, who lived in present-day Algeria. The pope is also expected to visit Annaba, historically known as Hippo, where Saint Augustine once served.
He will celebrate Mass at the Saint Augustine Basilica and meet local Christian communities, offering a message of solidarity to believers in the region.
The visit comes against the backdrop of Algeria’s complex history, including its civil war in the 1990s, and ongoing concerns raised by human rights groups over religious freedoms.
Observers say the tour presents an opportunity for the pope to reinforce dialogue, promote peace, and highlight the importance of coexistence across religious and cultural divides.
Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic Africa Tour with Landmark Visit to Algeria