Pope Leo XIV has begun a historic visit to Algeria, using the global stage to call for peace and reconciliation as tensions escalate over the U.S.-Iran war.
The trip marks the first-ever papal visit to the North African nation and the start of an 11-day tour across four African countries. The pope is aiming to promote Christian-Muslim coexistence while highlighting the legacy of St. Augustine, a key figure in his spiritual tradition who was born in present-day Algeria.
In his opening remarks, Pope Leo emphasized that true peace must be rooted in justice and dignity, warning against ongoing violations of international law and what he described as “neocolonial tendencies” shaping global conflicts.
The visit comes against the backdrop of a growing public clash with U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized the pontiff’s stance on the Iran war, calling him “very liberal” and accusing him of aligning with left-wing views.
Pope Leo pushed back, reiterating that the Vatican’s calls for peace are grounded in religious principles and stating he does not fear political criticism.
While in Algeria, the pope is also expected to honour victims of past conflicts, including those killed during the country’s civil war in the 1990s, and to engage with both religious leaders and government officials.
The visit highlights Africa’s growing importance to the Catholic Church, even as global tensions continue to rise over the Middle East conflict, underscoring the pope’s effort to position the Vatican as a voice for diplomacy and peace.
