Algerian Radio
The Chief of Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Dr. Mohand Azzoug, confirmed that Pope Leo XIV's visit to Algeria is part of a foreign tour covering several African and European countries, following an official invitation from the President of the Republic of Algeria, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune . He noted that the visit will last more than one day and holds high diplomatic status as a “State Visit”.
Speaking this Sunday on the Guest of the Morning program on Channel 1 Radio, Dr. Azzoug, explained that this visit will provide an opportunity to review the state of bilateral relations between Algeria and the Vatican. He emphasized that elevating the visit to the highest levels of diplomatic protocol reflects profound significance with political, historical, and cultural dimensions.
In the same context, the speaker highlighted the historical dimension of the visit, during which two prominent figures connecting Algeria to the Christian world will be invoked: Saint Augustine, who represents a cultural bridge between Islamic and Western thought and whose historical legacy remains evident in the provinces of Annaba and Souk Ahras; and Emir Abdelkader, a national and global symbol of tolerance and interfaith dialogue, particularly following his humanitarian stances in protecting Christians in Syria during the 19th century.
Azzoug noted that this visit also reflects recognition of Algeria's geo-strategic standing on the regional and international stages as a stable country moving toward continuous economic growth. He pointed to its ranking among the most prominent economies in the region according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports, which classified it as the fourth-largest economy in both the Arab world and the African continent, alongside its role in defending just causes during its membership in the UN Security Council.
He further emphasized that Algeria has provided a global model for peaceful coexistence through the Living Together in Peace initiative, which was adopted by the United Nations as an International Day. He stressed that this initiative stems from the profound cultural and civilizational depths of the Algerian identity.
Algeria adopts a religious reference based on moderation and balance.
Regarding the fight against extremism, the speaker emphasized that Algeria possesses a pioneering experience in this field, based on the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation. This charter played a crucial role in overcoming the effects of the crisis the country experienced during the 1990s, serving as a model that can be utilized internationally.
He also addressed the “National Religious Reference” based on moderate Islam, noting Algeria's role in promoting the values of moderation and tolerance, both domestically and by sending imams abroad. This is particularly evident during the month of Ramadan, when several European countries, including Italy, seek the assistance of Algerian imams to provide guidance for Muslim communities.
The Constitution of Algeria enshrines the freedom of worship.
Regarding religious freedoms, Azzoug emphasized that Algeria is committed to ensuring freedom of belief and the practice of religious rites for all citizens without discrimination, within the framework of constitutional provisions. He also pointed to the legal framework governing the religious rites of non-Muslims, primarily Presidential Decree No. 06-03 of 2006, which aims to regulate religious practices within churches rather than restricting them.
In this context, he revealed the State's support for the Christian community through contributions to the restoration of several churches, including the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Basilica of Saint Augustine. Additionally, the State facilitates the importation of religious books and the reception of clergy members in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Dr. Azzoug concluded his statement by emphasizing that the Pope's visit represents an opportunity to enhance interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and to highlight Algeria's experience in consolidating the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
