Pope Leo embarks on his longest-yet Apostolic Journey, headed to Algeria
Vatican News
The papal plane departed from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at 9:06 AM bound for Algiers International Airport Houari Boumediene.
Starting this 10-day Apostolic Journey, Pope Leo is scheduled to spend two days in Algeria—becoming the first pontiff to visit the country. Peace, migration, the environment, young people, and the family are the themes guiding this journey.
The three-day visit to Algeria includes meetings with local authorities and an Augustinian community, as well as a visit to a monument commemorating the Algerian War (1954-1962).
The Holy Father is also scheduled to pay a visit to a home for the elderly run by the Little Sisters of the Poor and he will preside over Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba.
This papal journey to Algeria holds personal significance for Pope Leo XIV, as the country is home to Annaba (formerly known as Hippo)—the city where St. Augustine served as Bishop from 395 until his death in 430.
However, this is not Pope Leo’s first time to the African continent. As the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, the-then Fr. Robert Prevost visited a number of African countries, including Algeria, Kenya, and Tanzania. He made two visits to Algeria itself in 2001 and 2013.
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