Pope Leo XIV is set to make history on Monday as he begins the first-ever papal visit to Algeria, carrying a strong message of peaceful coexistence and dialogue with Islam.
The visit marks the opening leg of an 11-day African tour that will also take him to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
In a nation where Islam is the state religion and nearly all citizens are Muslim, the pope’s arrival is being closely watched by the small Catholic minority. The trip comes at a time of global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, placing interfaith harmony at the centre of his mission.
According to Matteo Bruni, the visit aims to engage the Islamic world while addressing shared challenges around peaceful coexistence.
The trip also carries deep personal significance for the pontiff. Algeria is home to the legacy of Saint Augustine, whose teachings continue to shape the pope’s spiritual outlook. The American-born leader, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, has often described himself as a “son” of Augustine.
During his stay in Algiers, the pope will meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and address government officials and diplomats. He is also scheduled to visit the Great Mosque of Algiers, one of the largest mosques globally, highlighting the theme of religious dialogue.
He will later meet the Catholic community and hold a private prayer for clergy killed during Algeria’s civil war from 1992 to 2002 — a conflict that left deep scars across the country.
Human rights concerns have also shadowed the visit. Groups such as Human Rights Watch have urged the pope to raise issues of religious freedom, citing ongoing restrictions on minority worship.
On Tuesday, the pope will travel to Annaba, where he will celebrate Mass in honour of Saint Augustine, a moment expected to be the spiritual highlight of the trip.
Local church leaders say the visit offers hope and recognition for Algeria’s small Christian population, while also presenting a broader message of unity.
