The pope began his trip to Africa in the normal fashion: on the papal plane. Meeting with the press, he again emphasized the personal importance of this trip for him as an Augustinian pope. He had previously visited in 2001 and 2013.
POPE LEO XIV
I am very happy to visit again the land of Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine offers a very important bridge in interreligious dialogue. He is greatly loved in his homeland.
He was greeted by the president of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, as he stepped off the plane, and the welcome ceremony began right after.
Pope Leo’s first stop was at the Martyrs’ Memorial, Maqam Echahid—the site commemorates those who died in the war for independence from France. After laying a wreath of flowers, the pope took a moment of silence.
Accompanied by Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, he then delivered his first speech—which was about peace—before about 5,000 people.
POPE LEO XIV
The future belongs to men and women of peace. In the end, justice will always triumph over injustice, just as violence, despite all appearances, will never have the last word.
Addressing the country’s authorities Pope Leo gave what many believe will be the most political speech of this visit. He presented himself as a witness of peace and spoke about Algeria’s geo-strategic position between the Mediterranean and the Sahara.
POPE LEO XIV
Woe to us if we turn them into graveyards where hope also dies! Let us free these tremendous reservoirs of history and of the future from evil.
For illicit are the gains of those who exploit human life, whose dignity is inviolable.
The pope repeated once again what he has said on other occasions: that faith without charity and love of neighbor is a scandal before God.
POPE LEO XIV
A religion without mercy and a society without solidarity are a scandal in God’s eyes. Yet many societies that consider themselves advanced are plunging ever deeper into inequality and exclusion. Africa knows all too well that people and organizations that dominate others destroy the world, which the Most High has created in order that we might live together.
Over 98% of the population in Algeria is Muslim. Christians are a tiny minority. But as Pope Leo already stated, the trip is an opportunity for interreligious dialogue, which is why his next visits will be to the mosque and to the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa.
