On the second day of his official visit to Algeria, undertaken at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Pope Leo XIV traveled to the province of Annaba, where he paid tribute to all human initiatives dedicated to upholding the values of coexistence and solidarity. The visit, widely described by residents as “exceptional,” was seen as a unique opportunity to showcase Algeria’s image as a land of tolerance, dialogue, and harmony between religions and civilizations.
From the early hours of the morning, large crowds gathered across the city to follow the various stages of the papal visit, reflecting widespread enthusiasm for this historic event. Near the Basilica of Saint Augustine, visitors stopped to capture the significance of the site, while others lined the Pope’s route through the old city, highlighting the strong public engagement with an occasion carrying both religious and cultural importance. The Supreme Pontiff received an official welcome from Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, alongside civil and military authorities of the province.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV toured a care home for the elderly at the Basilica of Saint Augustine, where he was warmly received by staff who expressed their gratitude to the Algerian people for their continued generosity and support. Addressing those present, he described the place as “a symbol of love, solidarity and fraternity,” emphasizing that such initiatives represent hope in a world scarred by war and injustice. Earlier, he visited the archaeological site of Hippo Regius, where he laid a wreath and planted an olive sapling taken from Saint Augustine’s tree, symbolizing universal peace. Concluding his visit with a Mass at the Basilica, he called for following “the paths of justice and communion,” while extending his particular thanks to the Algerian authorities for their warm welcome and hospitality.
