Pope Leo XIV touched down in Algiers on Monday, April 13, 2026, initiating an extensive 11,000-mile tour spanning four African nations. This marks the Pontiff's inaugural visit to the continent since assuming his role as the 267th Supreme Pontiff on May 8, 2025.
The journey's first destination, Algeria, holds particular historical significance as it is the first time a reigning Pope has ever set foot in the country. Upon arrival in Algiers, Pope Leo XIV engaged with local authorities and subsequently visited the Great Mosque of Algiers, a prominent global Islamic center, aimed at fostering stronger Christian-Muslim relations.
Addressing the local populace, the Pope emphasized the critical need for reconciliation, stating, "God desires peace for every nation: a peace that is not merely an absence of conflict, but an expression of justice and dignity. This peace, which allows you to face the future with a reconciled spirit, is possible only with forgiveness."
He further urged a departure from cyclical retribution in a world experiencing escalating global tensions, asserting, "We cannot add resentment upon resentment, from generation to generation. The future belongs to men and women of peace."
During his flight from Rome to Algiers, Pope Leo XIV held an informal press conference with around 70 journalists. Responding to recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump concerning the Vatican's foreign policy, the Pope reiterated his non-political stance. "I am not a politician and I don’t want to get into a debate with Trump," he stated. "I will continue to speak out loudly against war, seeking to promote peace and multilateralism among States to find solutions to problems."
When questioned about potential apprehension regarding the former US administration's policies, he affirmed, "I’m not afraid of the Trump administration. I will continue to speak out the Gospel message. We are not politicians… but we believe in the message of the Gospel as builders of peace."
The Pontiff's demanding schedule includes 18 flights and 24 planned speeches across 11 cities. The key stops on his itinerary are:
Algeria (April 13–14): Visits will include the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba and interfaith gatherings in Algiers.
Cameroon (April 15–18): The Pope will travel to Yaoundé and Bamenda. A major Mass in Douala is anticipated to draw an audience exceeding 600,000.
Angola (April 18–21): Activities in Luanda comprise a visit to the Muxima Marian shrine and a local nursing home.
Equatorial Guinea (April 21–23): The tour concludes with visits to Malabo and Bata, including engagements at a psychiatric hospital and a prison, before the Pope returns to Rome.
Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the 267th Pope on May 8, 2025, following the passing of Pope Francis. A native of Chicago, he holds the distinction of being the first American Pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. His prior experience includes extensive missionary work and bishopric roles in Peru, as well as serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops at the Vatican.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!