Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on Monday on the first-ever papal visit to the North African country, beginning an 11-day tour of four African nations with a strong message of peace and Christian-Muslim coexistence.
The two-day Algeria visit marks the start of his broader trip that will also take him to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, as the first U.S.-born pope seeks to engage with Africa’s growing Catholic population.
The visit comes amid global tensions, including the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war involving Iran. US President Donald Trump recently criticised the pope, accusing him of supporting left-leaning views. Pope Leo, who had earlier condemned the “illusion of absolute power” behind the conflict during a prayer service, said during his flight that the Vatican’s calls for peace are rooted in the Gospel and stressed he was not concerned about political criticism.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune welcomed the pope at Algiers international airport. The two leaders are scheduled to hold official talks at the presidential palace.
During his stay, the pope is set to meet government officials, visit the capital’s Great Mosque, and attend a gathering at the Our Lady of Africa basilica. He will also take part in prayers at a nearby memorial dedicated to migrants who died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.
The Vatican said the visit’s main message is peace and interfaith harmony, reflected in its motto: “Peace be with you.”
Algeria’s Catholic community is small, with around 9,000 followers, mostly foreigners, living alongside a Sunni Muslim population of about 47 million, according to Vatican data. Algiers Archbishop Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco said the basilica regularly attracts Muslim visitors, showing a spirit of coexistence.
“It shows that people of different faiths can live together and help build society,” Vesco told AP.
However, concerns remain over religious freedom. The United States has placed Algeria on a watch list over alleged violations. While the constitution allows non-Muslims to practise their faith, efforts to convert Muslims are illegal, and some churches have been closed.
Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the visit. “It’s good that the pope is coming, but will it change anything?” asked Selma Dénane, a student from Annaba.
The visit also carries historical significance. During Algeria’s civil war in the 1990s, around 250,000 people were killed. Among them were 19 Catholic clergy, including seven monks from Tibhirine, who were abducted and killed in 1996. Pope Leo is expected to pay tribute to them during his visit.
The pontiff will also meet members of his Augustinian order, inspired by St. Augustine, a major figure in early Christianity who was born in present-day Algeria.
On Tuesday, the pope will travel to Annaba, where St. Augustine once served as bishop, highlighting the personal and spiritual importance of the visit.
Church officials say Pope Leo is likely to focus strongly on peace during the trip, calling it a timely message amid ongoing global conflicts.