Algerian Radio
The official visit of Pope Leo XIV to Algeria, at the invitation of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has emerged as a landmark event in consolidating Algeria’s status as a land dedicated to promoting human values of peace, dialogue, and global coexistence.
Throughout this historic visit, Algeria captured the attention of nations seeking peace and stability. Amidst rising global tensions and the profound challenges facing humanity, the visit underscored the necessity of collective action, unified visions, and the prioritization of wisdom and reason.
Held under the theme "As-salamu alaykum", Pope Leo XIV’s visit illustrated Algeria’s pivotal role in disseminating values of solidarity and defending the oppressed across the globe. The visit also reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between Algeria and the Holy See, a relationship established over five decades ago and built on a shared commitment to inter-peoples dialogue and the support of just causes.
Furthermore, the visit highlighted Algeria’s strategic position as a bridge between the Mediterranean and Africa, serving as a secure crossroads for both Islamic and Christian cultures and faiths.
In this context, during a speech delivered at the Cultural Center of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr on the first day, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune affirmed Algeria’s full readiness to continue its collaboration with the Vatican to "promote the spirit of understanding, spread dialogue, and strengthen coexistence and cooperation instead of division, clash, and hostility."
Describing His Holiness as "the noble bearer of the torch of universal human and spiritual values," the President emphasized that Algeria "is fully aware of the significance of these authentic values, which are deeply rooted in its identity, and remains entirely committed to supporting and promoting them."
For his part, the Sovereign Pontiff praised the Algerian people, stating they "have never been defeated by adversity, as they are deeply rooted in the values of solidarity, acceptance of others, and the community spirit." He noted that Algeria’s historical experience has provided it with "a profound and sharp insight into global balances," making it "capable of contributing to a vision of greater justice among nations and serving as a key actor in a new course of history."
The first day’s itinerary featured several significant stops. The guest of Algeria visited the Martyrs' Memorial, where he observed a minute of silence and laid a wreath of flowers at the monument commemorating the martyrs of the Glorious National Liberation Revolution.
In a speech before the delegations gathered at the Riad El Feth esplanade, the Pope stated that "Algeria, strong in its roots and the hope of its youth, is capable of continuing its contribution to stability and dialogue within the international community and on both shores of the Mediterranean," describing the country as a "crossroads of cultures and religions."
Subsequently, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held an official reception for the Pope at the Presidency of the Republic, followed by private talks and an exchange of symbolic gifts.
Pope Leo XIV also toured various facilities of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, stopping at the prayer hall and visiting the religious and cultural spaces of this monumental landmark, before signing the Mosque’s Golden Book. The visit also included the Notre Dame d'Afrique Basilica in the heights of Algiers, where the Pope presided over a commemorative ceremony.
On the second day, the Pope traveled to the Wilaya of Annaba, where he visited the archaeological site of Hippo, home to the historic Basilica of Peace. He laid a wreath and planted an olive branch from Saint Augustin’s tree as a symbol of universal peace.
Finally, Pope Leo XIV visited the care home for the elderly at Saint Augustin’s Basilica, expressing his joy at being in a place that "symbolizes love, solidarity, and brotherhood," noting that his presence there "embodies the values of hope, despite the wars and injustices facing the world today."
