Algerian Radio
The University Professor and former Secretary-General of the High Islamic Council, Professor Boumediene Bouzid, stressed that the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Algeria, the first of its kind which will be starting this Monday, carries religious, historical, cultural, and even political and social symbolism and dimensions. This reflects international recognition of Algeria's significant standing as a beacon of peace, coexistence, and respect for religious freedom and practice.
Professor Boumediene Bouzid explained this Sunday, while appearing as a guest on the International Guest program on Radio Algeria International that Algeria has come to present the world with a model of “Living Together in Peace”. He noted that its diplomacy embraces the principles of dialogue, peace, respect for state sovereignty, and the rejection of hatred and extremism. He further indicated that the Pope's visit carries intrinsic aspects related to the Pope himself, as well as others pertaining to the Catholic Church and the Vatican.
Bouzid added that Pope Leo XIV's visit to Algeria represents a victory for the reformist movement that began within the Catholic Church in the 1960s. This movement offers a new reading of Christianity and the Bible, one that is open to other religions, viewing the Catholic Church not as an exclusive entity for Christians, but as one for all of humanity. This approach moves beyond religious isolationism and the dogma that there is no salvation outside the Church. It can be said that this visit serves the purpose of defending peace and justice while simultaneously acknowledging the Church's historical transgressions, within a vision aimed at 'purifying the collective memory.
Bouzid pointed out that the Pope's arrival in Algeria carries a cultural, civilizational, and political message: “There must be an alliance between religions, and between the People of Faith and the People of the Book, to defend global peace,” a goal the Church cannot achieve without opening up to the Islamic world. He revealed that the Vatican's vision relies on Algeria to liberate Africa from the memory of pain and to push former colonial powers to acknowledge the atrocities and genocides committed on the continent. In light of looming international conflicts, the Catholic Church recognizes its duty, as well as the responsibility of Muslims and strategic nations in the region, to rescue the continent from its suffering.
Bouzid noted that anyone following the recent statements of Pope Leo XIV regarding the rejection of violence, the use of force, and his opposition to all forms of war and bloodshed, will find that they intersect with the diplomatic stance adopted by Algeria. Algeria consistently renews its call for dialogue, peace, and coexistence among peoples, as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of states. This highlights the importance of the visit in this regard, considering Algeria a beacon of peace.
In this regard, he stated: “The concepts of peace and coexistence should not be linked to political exploitation or specific historical contexts; rather, they should be viewed as values in and of themselves. These concepts derive their momentum from peoples who have endured oppression and humiliation and have sacrificed everything for their dignity”.
