Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Algeria

POPE Leo XIV departed Monday from Fiumicino International Airport for a historic visit to Algeria at the invitation of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

As he later arrived at Houari Boumediene International Airport in the Algerian capital Algiers, he was received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The President of the Republic and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV listened to the national anthems of both countries before reviewing units of the People’s National Army, which performed a guard of honor.

President Tebboune held bilateral talks with Pope Leo XIV, as part of the Pontiff’s official visit to Algeria. The discussions took place at the VIP lounge of the Houari Boumediene International Airport.

Afterwards, the Pope visited the Martyrs’ Memorial in Algiers, where he observed a moment of silence and laid a wreath at the memorial, honouring the martyrs of the glorious Liberation Revolution.

The first day of Pope Leo XIV’s official visit to Algeria was marked Monday by an intense schedule of diplomatic and religious activities, underscoring a shared commitment to interfaith dialogue and global stability.

At the Houari Boumediene International Airport, where President Tebboune held an official welcoming ceremony, His Holiness was honoured with a 21-gun salute, the playing of both national anthems, and a review of a People’s National Army (PNA) honour guard. Following the formal greetings of senior state officials, the two, President Tebboune and his guest held bilateral talks in the airport’s VIP lounge.

The day continued with a formal reception at the Presidency where both leaders posed for commemorative photos before the national and international media, signalling the diplomatic weight of this first stop on the Pope’s African tour.

On Monday afternoon, the focus shifted to Djamaa El-Djazair, where President Tebboune welcomed the Pope to what he described as “a land of ancient history and the meeting point of civilisations”.

For his part, Pope Leo XIV expressed his profound admiration for the Algerian people, stating they have “never been defeated by hardships” because of their deep roots in solidarity and community spirit. Accompanied by the Rector, Sheikh Mohamed Maamoune Al-Kacimi Al-Hoceini, the Pope toured the prayer hall and signed the guestbook, marking a milestone in Muslim-Christian relations. Concluding the evening, Pope Leo XIV visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa. In this symbolic space, he presided over a ceremony that paid homage to the land of Saint Augustine, the great Christian thinker to whose religious order the Pope belongs.

The papal visit to Algeria triggered a wave of positive reactions from religious, political, and civic figures.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the event as “historic,” confirming Algeria’s role in “building bridges of cooperation between Europe and Africa.” Similarly, Ségolène Royal, President of the France-Algeria Association, called it a “universal message” of reconciliation between the two shores of the Mediterranean.

On a spiritual level, the Archbishop of Algiers, Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, noted that the visit “restores depth to the great history of Algeria, the land of Saint Augustine,” while the President of the High Islamic Council, Mabrouk Zaid El Kheir, praised the “wisdom and foresight” shared by Algeria and the Vatican.

As the first day drew to a close, the consensus among observers was clear: the visit has already moved beyond the religious dimension to become a major diplomatic event, positioning Algeria as the point of departure for a renewed message of universal peace and spiritual security.

Pope Leo XIV affirmed in Algiers that the Algerian people have never been defeated by hardship, as they are deeply rooted in the values of solidarity, acceptance of others, and a strong sense of community, praising their hospitality and great generosity.

In a speech delivered at the Cultural Center of the Great Mosque of Algiers, in the presence of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, senior state officials, members of the government, representatives of national institutions, civil society, and the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria, he emphasised that he came “as a witness to the peace and hope that the world deeply longs for, and that the Algerian people have always sought,” noting that Algerians have never been broken by hardship because they are anchored in the values of solidarity, acceptance of others, and a spirit of community woven into the daily lives of millions of humble and kind people.

The Pope also noted that the Algerian people have repeatedly demonstrated great generosity, highlighting that this attitude is reflected in their deeply rooted hospitality, which he described as a fundamental social value.

Pope Leo XIV arrived Tuesday morning in Annaba, as part of the second day of his official visit. Upon his arrival at Rabah Bitat International Airport, Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, as well as the local civil and military authorities.

In the VIP lounge of Rabah Bitat International Airport, the youth of Annaba warmly welcomed Algeria’s distinguished guest during a special ceremony attended by the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda.

In the city of Annaba, the Pope received a warm public welcome from the province’s residents, who cheered him enthusiastically.

For his part, Pope Leo XIV shook hands with his hosts from the city of “Bona” and exchanged pleasantries with them, in a symbolic scene reflecting the convergence of civilisations, cultures, and shared history.

Continuing his second day of his official visit to Algeria, undertaken at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Pope Leo XIV traveled to the province of Annaba, where he paid tribute to all human initiatives dedicated to upholding the values of coexistence and solidarity. The visit, widely described by residents as “exceptional,” was seen as a unique opportunity to showcase Algeria’s image as a land of tolerance, dialogue, and harmony between religions and civilisations.

From the early hours of the morning, large crowds gathered across the city to follow the various stages of the papal visit, reflecting widespread enthusiasm for this historic event. Near the Basilica of Saint Augustine, visitors stopped to capture the significance of the site, while others lined the Pope’s route through the old city, highlighting the strong public engagement with an occasion carrying both religious and cultural importance. The Supreme Pontiff received an official welcome from Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, alongside civil and military authorities of the province.

During his visit, Pope Leo XIV toured a care home for the elderly at the Basilica of Saint Augustine, where he was warmly received by staff who expressed their gratitude to the Algerian people for their continued generosity and support. Addressing those present, he described the place as “a symbol of love, solidarity and fraternity,” emphasising that such initiatives represent hope in a world scarred by war and injustice. Earlier, he visited the archaeological site of Hippo Regius, where he laid a wreath and planted an olive sapling taken from Saint Augustine’s tree, symbolising universal peace.

Pope Leo XIV visited the archaeological site of Hippone in the city of Annaba, home to the historic Basilica of Peace where he was accompanied by the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, and received a guided tour of the site.

The guest of Algeria also laid a wreath and planted an olive branch descended from the tree of Saint Augustine, as a symbol of world peace.

Pope Leo XIV attended musical and vocal performances rooted in Algeria’s authentic heritage, conveying messages of love and coexistence. There was a notable turnout from national and foreign reporters, who arrived in large numbers to cover the Sovereign Pontiff’s historic visit to Algeria and the city of Annaba.

ANNABA President Tebboune and Pope Leo XIV traveled to the province of Annaba, where he paid tribute to all human initiatives dedicated to upholding the values of coexistence and solidarity.

The Supreme Pontiff received an official welcome from Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs Ahmed Attaf, alongside the civil and military authorities of Annaba province.

Pope Leo XIV visited the care home for the elderly at the Basilica of Saint Augustine, where he was warmly received by the staff, who took the occasion to express their gratitude to the Algerian people for their generosity and continued support, which enables them to carry out their mission on behalf of the residents.

Addressing those gathered, Pope Leo XIV expressed his joy at being in a place he described as “a symbol of love, solidarity and fraternity,” adding that his presence there “embodies the values of hope, even in a world scarred by wars and injustice.”

He also commended such humanitarian and solidarity-driven initiatives for “reflecting the true meaning of human coexistence.” At the close of his visit, staff and residents of the care home at the Basilica of Saint Augustine presented Pope Leo XIV with symbolic gifts.

Accompanied by Minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda, Algeria’s guest began his visit to Annaba late in the morning with a stop at the archaeological site of Hippo, home to the historic Basilica of Peace.

At the site, the Supreme Pontiff received a comprehensive briefing on its history, laid a wreath, and planted an olive sapling taken from Saint Augustine’s tree, a gesture symbolizing universal peace.

During a Mass he presided over at the Basilica of Saint Augustine, he called once again to follow “the paths of justice and communion,” before extending “very particularly” his thanks to the Algerian authorities for the welcome and hospitality that were extended to him.

Pope Leo XIV extended Tuesday, in Annaba, his very special thanks to the Algerian authorities for the welcome and hospitality that were reserved for him during his official visit to Algeria.

Pope Leo XIV extended Tuesday, in Annaba, his very special thanks to the Algerian authorities for the welcome and hospitality that were reserved for him during his official visit to Algeria.

While presiding over Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV took the opportunity to convey his thanks to the Algerian authorities for the reception accorded to him throughout his visit.

Addressing the current situation in the world, Pope Leo XIV once again pleaded for peace, calling on all to follow “the paths of justice and communion.”

Pope Leo XIV departed Algiers on Wednesday morning, concluding an official visit to Algeria. He was seen off at Algiers Houari Boumediene International Airport by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in the presence of high-ranking officials.

BY ALGERIA PRESS SERVICE

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