Pope Leo XIV arrived in the Algerian city of Annaba on Tuesday, April 14, paying tribute to the legacy of the early Christian theologian Saint Augustine. A day earlier, the American-born pope made history as the first pontiff to set foot in Algeria, marking the beginning of a broader visit across four African countries. During the opening day of his apostolic journey on Monday, he also met with members of the local community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, engaging with worshippers on his first full day on the continent. The Pontiff warmly greeted the Algerian faithful, praising their “discrete and precious presence in this land” which is “marked by an ancient heritage and by luminous witnesses of the faith.” Your community has deep roots indeed. You are the heirs of a host of witnesses who gave their lives, motivated by love for God and neighbour, he continued. I am particularly reminded of the 19 men and women religious who were martyred in Algeria, choosing to stand alongside this people in its joys and sorrows. Their blood is a living seed that never ceases to bear fruit,” he noted. He also spoke about the region’s deep Christian heritage, recalling Saint Augustine and other early witnesses of faith. “You are also heirs to a still more ancient tradition, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity, he said in a speech delivered in French. In this land resounded the fervent voice of Augustine of Hippo, preceded by the testimony of his mother, St. Monica, and of other saints. Their memory shines as a call to be authentic signs of communion, dialogue, and peace today,” he said
