Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algiers on Monday, April 13, 2026, on the opening leg of his 11-day apostolic visit to Africa, becoming the first pope to set foot in Algeria. Shortly after landing, the pope paid a courtesy visit to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and met with government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

Later in the day, Leo visited the Great Mosque of Algiers, one of the largest mosques in the world with capacity for 120,000 worshippers. The stop was part of his first-day schedule in the capital before he travels to Annaba, the ancient city of Hippo where St. Augustine served as bishop.

The Vatican said the three-day Algeria visit will highlight the country’s early Christian heritage and the presence of its small Catholic community, estimated at fewer than 9,000 in a population of 46–48 million.

As the first Augustinian pope, Leo is scheduled to tour the archaeological site of Hippo and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine during his stay.

The pope’s trip continues to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea and will run through April 23.

Source: The Nation / Vatican News