Pope Leo XIV to Visit Algeria for First Time in April

(MENAFN) Algeria’s presidency announced on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV will make an official visit to the country in April, marking the first time the pontiff will visit the North African nation.

In a statement, the presidency said the trip, extended at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, offers an opportunity “to strengthen bonds of friendship, trust and mutual understanding between Algeria and the Holy See.”

The statement added that the visit would “undoubtedly open new horizons for cooperation,” emphasizing a shared commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and justice in addressing global challenges.

Separately, the presidency noted that Tebboune chaired a meeting Wednesday to review preparations for the visit.

The Vatican had previously announced that Pope Leo XIV will visit Algeria from April 13 to 15 as part of an African tour that will also include Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

Algerian media reported that the pope is expected to deliver an official address, visit the Basilica of Notre Dame d’Afrique in Algiers, and travel to the coastal city of Annaba, the home of Saint Augustine, a key figure in Roman-era Christian theology.

Tebboune met Pope Leo XIV in July during a visit to Italy, where the two discussed ways to strengthen diplomatic relations between Algeria and the Holy See.

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