Pope Leo begins historic Africa tour with Algeria visit
Pontiff launches 10-day multi-country journey focused on peace and youth as failed bombing disrupts first stop
ALGIERS, Algeria (MNTV) — Pope Leo XIV has begun his longest apostolic journey to date, arriving in Algiers as part of a 10-day tour across Africa, though his visit was overshadowed by a failed suicide attack hours after landing.
The pontiff departed from Fiumicino Airport and arrived in Algeria’s capital, marking the first-ever papal visit to the country. His itinerary includes stops in Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, with themes centered on peace, migration, youth engagement, environmental issues, and family.
During his initial stay in Algeria, the pope is scheduled to meet political leaders, engage with local religious communities, and visit key cultural and religious landmarks, including the Basilica of St. Augustine. The city of Annaba holds historical importance as the seat of Saint Augustine, where he served as bishop centuries ago.
The visit also includes a stop at a monument commemorating the Algerian War and a visit to a care home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, highlighting humanitarian outreach.
However, the visit was disrupted by a security incident in the nearby city of Blida, located roughly 40 kilometers south of the capital. Two attackers detonated explosive devices in what authorities believe was an attempted assault on a police facility. The perpetrators were killed in the blast, and several individuals were reported injured.
According to preliminary accounts, the attackers triggered their explosives prematurely after being spotted by security personnel, preventing further casualties. Algerian authorities imposed tight information controls following the incident, and official details remained limited.
Despite the incident, Pope Leo continued his schedule, appearing at the Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique, where he held a moment of prayer beneath an inscription calling for unity among faiths.
The Vatican did not immediately issue a formal statement regarding the attack, and reports suggest that information about the incident took time to reach members of the papal delegation.
The contrast between the pope’s message of reconciliation and the violence underscored the fragile security environment in parts of the region. Nonetheless, the visit is being seen as a significant diplomatic and interfaith milestone, particularly given Algeria’s historical and cultural context.
Pope Leo’s broader African tour is expected to continue as planned, with further engagements aimed at strengthening dialogue, promoting peace, and addressing social challenges across the continent.
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