ALGIERS, Algeria – The first day of Pope Leo XIV’s international apostolic visit to Africa concluded with an encounter with the Algerian community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers.
Pope Leo, after hearing several testimonies, said, “It is with immense joy and fatherly affection that I meet you today, whose distinctive and precious presence in this land is marked by an ancient heritage and shining witnesses of the faith.”
He added, “The roots of your community run deep indeed. You are the heirs of many witnesses who gave their lives, motivated by love of God and neighbor.” “I especially remember the 19 religious men and women who were martyred in Algeria, who decided to stand with this people in their joys and sorrows. Their blood is a living seed that never ceases to bear fruit.”
After completing more formal engagements – beginning with a late morning meeting with the President of the Algerian Republic, officials and the diplomatic corps – Leo received an embrace on Monday afternoon from the Algerian Catholic community, who were present despite heavy rain.
At the opening of the meeting, the Pope knelt in adoration in front of the tent containing the Eucharist.
Pope Leo XIV prays in front of a tabernacle at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, on April 13, 2026, the first day of an apostolic visit to four countries in Africa. | Credit: AIGAV Pool
“You are the heirs of an even 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 other saints. His memory shines today as a call to be an authentic sign of communion, dialogue and peace.”
“To all of you, dear friends, and to those who cannot be present but are following this meeting from a distance,” he continued, “I express my gratitude for your daily commitment to reveal the motherly heart of the Church.
After thanking Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalinga and a religious sister, a Pentecostal student, a basilica guide and a Muslim woman who spoke, the Pope invited those present to reflect on three essential aspects of the Christian life.
“First of all, prayer. We all need to pray. … Prayer unites, humanizes, strengthens and purifies the heart. Through prayer, the Church in Algeria sows humanity, unity, strength and holiness, reaching places known only to God,” he said.
Turning to charity, Leo emphasized that mercy and service are not just practical help, but places of grace and mutual growth.
“After all, it is precisely love for their brothers and sisters that has inspired the testimony of the martyrs we have remembered. In the face of hatred and violence, they remained faithful to charity even to the point of sacrificing themselves along with many other men and women, Christians and Muslims. They did so without show or fanfare, with calmness and perseverance, neither in pride nor in despair, because they knew the One in whom they placed their trust Was.”
Addressing peace and unity, Pope Leo recalled that this was the central theme of his visit.
The Pope said, “In a world where division and war cause pain and death between nations, communities and even families, your experience of unity and peace is a compelling sign. Together, you spread fraternity and inspire a deep longing for unity and reconciliation with a powerful and clear message that is born in simplicity and humility.”
“A large part of this country’s territory is desert, and in the desert, no one can survive alone. The hostile environment strips away any notion of self-reliance, reminding us that we need each other, and we need God,” he said. “When we admit our fragility, our hearts become open to support one another and to call upon the One who can give what no human power can ensure: a deep reconciliation of hearts and with it, true peace.”
Before arriving at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, Pope Leo XIV stopped at the Great Mosque of Algiers and before that at the center of hospitality and friendship of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters in Bab el Oued.
There the Pope paid tribute to the memory of several religious sisters of the community who were killed during the civil war in the 1990s. After praying with the sisters and listening to the words of his superiors, Leo XIV remembered the martyrs as a precious presence in the land and a sign of the heart of the Augustinian life: witness, even to martyrdom.
Recalling the previous visit and highlighting St. Augustine’s legacy in the region, the Holy Father said, “Your presence here means a lot: to promote respect for the dignity of each person and to affirm that it is possible to live in peace while valuing differences.”
Before departing, she thanked the sisters and encouraged them to persevere, remembering that the feast day of the 19 Martyrs of Algeria falls on 8 May – the day of their election.
Tomorrow, Pope Leo XIV will follow what he described as a true return to his roots with a visit to Hippo, where St Augustine – the founder of the order to which the Pope belongs – served as bishop from 396 AD to 430 AD.
this story was first published By ACI Stampa, EWTN News’ Italian language partner service. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
