Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on April 13, becoming the first pope to make an apostolic journey to the North African nation. This marks the beginning of his 11-day, four-country tour of Africa.
The visit is seen as a historic milestone for both Algeria and the Catholic Church. With fewer than 9,000 Catholics among more than 45 million people, Algerian bishops said the pope comes “as an apostle of peace,” seeking to strengthen a Church whose mission is one of “fraternal presence” in a predominantly Muslim society.
Speaking to journalists on his flight to Algiers, Pope Leo said his trip was “meant to be the first trip of the pontificate.” He explained that he had expressed interest in visiting Africa since last year and described himself as happy to return: “I am very happy to visit the land of St. Augustine again,” he said. The pope added that Augustine “offers a very important bridge in interreligious dialogue” and emphasized building peace: “We must always seek bridges to build peace and reconciliation. And so, this trip truly represents a precious opportunity to continue with the same voice, with the same message.”
The welcoming ceremony at Houari Boumediene Airport was moved indoors due to heavy rain forecasts. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune greeted Pope Leo upon arrival as an honor guard stood at attention and a young girl presented flowers.
During his stay in Algeria from April 13-14, Pope Leo will focus activities along its northern Mediterranean coast with stops in Algiers and Annaba. He plans private visits honoring martyrs such as Sister Esther Paniagua Alonso and Sister Caridad Álvarez Martín, who were killed during civil unrest in 1994; these sisters were among those beatified by the Church for their sacrifice.
On his itinerary are meetings with civil authorities, visits aimed at fostering Christian-Muslim dialogue—such as touring Algiers’ Great Mosque—and gatherings with local Christians at sites like Our Lady of Africa Basilica. Bishop Michel Guillaud said Pope Leo’s visit is primarily “to meet the Algerian people and support his Church,” highlighting strong ties through figures like St. Augustine.
Algeria’s complex history includes periods under Roman rule, Arab-Amazigh dynasties, Ottoman governance, French colonization beginning in 1830, and independence achieved after conflict from 1954-1962.
Reflecting on broader implications for Algerian society beyond Catholic communities, Bishop Guillaud said Christianity “is an asset and not a danger” for Algeria: “Algerians know that popes are not only concerned with their flock but also with peace, justice and reconciliation for all.”
The next stage of Pope Leo’s journey will take him from Algiers eastward toward Annaba near ancient Hippo Regius—the final home of St. Augustine—where he plans further prayerful reflection.
