Pope Leo XIV Plants Olive Branch from 1,600-Year-Old Saint Augustine Tree in Hippo, Annaba
Annaba, April 14, 2026 – Pope Leo XIV arrived on Tuesday at the archaeological site of Hippo in the city of Annaba, which hosts the historic Church of Peace.
The Pope, accompanied by the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, received briefings about the archaeological site.
The guest of Algeria also laid a wreath of flowers and planted a branch cut from the tree of Saint Augustine, an olive tree approximately 1,600 years old, as a symbol of global peace.
On the occasion, Pope Leo XIV listened to musical and vocal performances drawn from authentic Algerian heritage, carrying messages of love and coexistence.
A large and notable presence of international and national press representatives was recorded, who came to cover the various events of the Vatican Pope’s visit to Algeria and the city of Annaba.
