Pope Leo XIV makes a historic visit to Algeria, honoring the legacy of St. Augustine and promoting peace and coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

Pope Leo XIV has begun a historic visit to Algeria, marking the first papal visit to the country, with the aim of honoring the legacy of St. Augustine, a titan of early Christianity. This journey is a spiritual return for the American pope, who is in search of a message of peace and coexistence between Christians and Muslims. St. Augustine, born in 354 in North Africa, spent most of his life there, becoming a bishop and writing foundational works for Western thought. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of St. Augustine as a "bridge" in interreligious dialogue, stating that his visit represents a valuable opportunity to promote peace and reconciliation. During the visit, he will explore the ruins of the Roman city of Hippo and will celebrate a service at the Basilica of St. Augustine, where the saint's relics are located. The President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, expressed national pride regarding St. Augustine, considering him a "cherished son of this country." This visit underscores the pope's deep connection to the Augustinian legacy and the importance of interreligious dialogue in the current context.