Pope Leo XIV has visited Algeria, beginning his first foreign trip to Africa. This is the pontiff’s first visit to the country in history. It is aimed at promoting Christian-Muslim dialogue and includes activities related to the legacy of St. Augustine, who was born in what is now Algeria.
The visit includes meetings with government officials, including President Abdelmajid Tebboune, as well as with the local Christian community.
The two-day trip to Algeria is part of the pontiff’s 11-day tour of Africa. The pope will also visit Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
The visit comes amid international tensions. US President Donald Trump had earlier criticised the pope over the Vatican’s stance on war with Iran. The pontiff had earlier condemned the US and Israeli strikes and disagreed with the claim that the war was in defence of Christian values.
Pope Leo XIV is US-born Robert Francis Prevost. Trump had earlier welcomed his election. After criticism from the president, the pontiff said he would not change his position on the war and was “not afraid” of pressure from the US administration.
Pope Leo XIV visited Algeria for the first time in history