Overview
- Pope Leo XIV began the 11‑day trip Monday in Algiers, meeting President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, praying at the Martyrs’ Memorial, and telling officials that authorities should serve the people and allow a vibrant, dynamic and free civil society.
- Following Monday’s events in the capital, the pope traveled Tuesday to Annaba to honor St. Augustine, visited a home for the elderly run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, and celebrated Mass at the hilltop Basilica of Saint Augustine.
- The visit highlighted interfaith outreach as he paused in silent prayer inside the Great Mosque of Algiers and later told Christians and Muslims at Our Lady of Africa that their daily coexistence is a sign of unity and peace.
- Coverage noted sharp criticism from President Donald Trump hours before departure on Monday over Leo’s stance on the Iran war, and the pope replied in flight that he has no fear and will keep preaching a Gospel call to peacemaking.
- Next the delegation heads to Cameroon, where the Vatican expects about 600,000 people at a Mass in Douala, reflecting Africa’s fast‑growing Catholic population alongside small communities like Algeria’s roughly 9,000 Catholics.