Pope Leo XIV on Monday arrived in Algeria, marking a historic moment as the North African nation welcomed a sitting Catholic pontiff for the first time.
The Pope touched down to an official reception, waving warmly as he began the opening leg of his African tour, a visit expected to focus on interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and strengthening ties with minority Christian communities.
The unprecedented visit underscores growing diplomatic and religious engagement between the Vatican and Algeria, where Christians form a small minority in a predominantly Muslim country. Vatican officials described the trip as a significant milestone aimed at promoting coexistence, mutual respect, and regional stability, as Pope Leo XIV begins a broader pastoral journey across Africa.
Pope Leo XIV spoke about the importance of forgiveness during a visit to the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument in Algiers, Algeria, on the first day of his apostolic journey to four African countries.
In the first speech of his trip, he said: “The future belongs to men and women of peace. In the end, justice will always triumph over injustice, just as violence, despite all appearances, will never have the last word.”
“Our presence here at this monument pays tribute to this history of Algeria and to the very spirit of a people who fought for the independence, dignity, and sovereignty of this nation,” Leo said. “In this place, let us remember that God desires peace for every nation: a peace that is not merely an absence of conflict but one that is an expression of justice and dignity.”
This peace “is possible only through forgiveness,” he said. “True struggle for liberation will be definitively won only when peace in our hearts has finally been achieved. I know how difficult it is to forgive. However, as conflicts continue to multiply throughout the world, we cannot add resentment upon resentment, generation after generation.”
The pope is also scheduled to visit Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon on his first apostolic journey to the continent April 13–23.
The 11-day visit marks Pope Leo’s first trip to the African continent since his election in May 2025.