Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic Africa Tour with Landmark Visit to Algeria
First-ever papal trip to Muslim-majority Algeria marks 11-day mission to promote dialogue, peace, and development
- Pope Leo XIV begins first-ever papal visit to Algeria
- 11-day African tour covering four countries and 11 cities
- Focus on peace, interfaith dialogue, and political and social issues
Pope Leo XIV has embarked on a historic visit to Algeria, marking the first time a Catholic pontiff has travelled to the predominantly Muslim nation.
The U.S.-born Pope arrived in the capital, Algiers, at about 09:00 GMT on Monday, according to an AFP journalist aboard the papal flight.
During his stay, he is expected to honour victims of Algeria’s independence war against France (1954–1962) as part of his official engagements.
The 70-year-old pontiff is currently on an ambitious 11-day African tour covering four countries, aimed at drawing global attention to the continent’s social and economic challenges, particularly as Africa is home to over 20% of the world’s Catholics.
Despite Algeria’s overwhelming Muslim population of around 48 million people, it hosts fewer than 10,000 Catholics, making this a historic first papal visit. Church officials say the trip is intended to strengthen “bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds.”
After spending two days in Algeria, the Pope will continue his journey to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, visiting 11 cities and towns and travelling nearly 18,000 kilometres across 18 flights.
His itinerary includes 25 speeches over the 11-day tour, with expected themes ranging from resource exploitation and political corruption to interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
Key stops in Algeria include the Great Mosque of Algiers and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa. He will also pray privately for victims of Algeria’s civil war, including religious figures killed during the conflict.
In Cameroon, a major highlight is expected to be a large outdoor mass in Douala, where up to 600,000 worshippers are anticipated.
The Vatican notes that Africa continues to play a growing role in the Catholic Church, contributing millions of new baptisms and producing a significant number of priests and religious leaders each year.
Pope Leo, fluent in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, is expected to address audiences across the continent throughout the trip.
