dpa/NAN
Arriving in Algeria on Monday, Pope Leo XIV began an 11-day tour of Africa. The trip, which is the longest since he began his papacy less than a year ago, marks a significant milestone.
Following Algeria, the head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics plans to visit Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
In a meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, both sides emphasised their willingness to strengthen cooperation between Algeria and the Vatican.
Tebboune described the papal visit as “historic,” according to reports from the state news agency.
Dialogue, peace, and tolerance were the values he highlighted, along with Algeria’s commitment to social justice.
When addressing international conflicts, particularly those in the region, the president called for an end to violence.
He urged greater humanitarian support for civilians and pressed for the recognition of a Palestinian state. Peace and cooperation, he stressed, remain vital to tackling global crises.
Leo was also scheduled to visit the Great Mosque in Algiers, the capital.
No pope has previously visited Algeria. This majority-Muslim country has nearly 47 million people, but only about 9,000 are Catholic. Significant to Leo is St. Augustine of Hippo, born there in the 4th century, who inspires him.
Leo spent nearly 50 years in the Augustinian order and served as its global head.
On Tuesday, Leo is due to travel to Annaba, formerly known as Hippo, where Augustine served as bishop.
From Algeria, the pope travels to Cameroon from Wednesday to Saturday. He will then go to Angola until April 21 and visit Equatorial Guinea until April 23.
Recent popes, such as John Paul II and Francis, have frequently visited Africa.
Africa, home to around 290 million Catholics, is a fast-growing region for the Church.