Algerians welcome Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Annaba’s Basilica of Saint Augustine with deep joy and interfaith unity.
Newsroom (15/04/2026 Gaudium Press) The people of Algeria are rejoicing as Pope Leo XIV makes his first-ever papal visit to the nation, a moment filled with emotion and spiritual unity at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba. For Father Fred Wekesa, Rector of the historic basilica, the visit is not only a blessing for Catholics but also a cause for celebration across the country’s diverse communities.
“People are very, very joyful that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, is visiting us—not just us Christians, but the people of Algeria, and specifically here in Annaba, where Augustine worked as a Bishop and died,” Father Wekesa told Vatican News during an interview with correspondent Olivier Bonnel.
The rector described an atmosphere brimming with joy and anticipation since news of the papal visit broke. “I’m very, very happy, and so are my brothers. We are very joyful that the Holy Father is visiting—not just visiting us Christians, but the people of Algeria,” he added.
Augustine’s Enduring Legacy
Annaba, long revered as the city where Saint Augustine lived, preached, and died, holds deep symbolic meaning for Algerians. Father Wekesa recalled that joy swept through the city and beyond when Pope Leo XIV—an Augustinian himself—was elected on May 8 of the previous year.
“It was a joy for everyone here,” he said. “Many brothers and sisters who are Muslims sent us messages of congratulations because, as the Holy Father, he is a son of Augustine. That resonated deeply.”
For the local community, Saint Augustine forms a spiritual bridge between Algeria’s history and the Vatican’s present. “It is Augustine,” Father Wekesa explained. “Augustine was born here, was Bishop here, and died here. So Augustine is part and parcel of the genealogy of Algerians. That alone was a joy for them, and thus they are excited to meet the Pope.”
A Visit Beyond Faith Boundaries
Father Wekesa emphasized that Pope Leo XIV’s pilgrimage is not only a religious event but also a symbolic national occasion of unity. “It’s not only for us Christians, who are a minority, but it’s a national event for all Algerians,” he said, noting the government’s invitation extended to the Pope as both a spiritual and diplomatic gesture.
“The government is inviting him as Pope,” the rector explained, “but for us, we want to welcome him as a confrère. We recognize that he is Pope, but he’s Augustinian. Once you are Augustinian, you are Augustinian forever.”
A Mission of Peace
Pope Leo XIV’s visit is deeply rooted in his Augustinian identity, marked by his consistent appeal for peace and understanding among religions. “His visit is part of interreligious dialogue to advance the message of peace,” Father Wekesa explained. “With his words and actions, he’s advocating peace, following in the footsteps of Saint Augustine.”
As the basilica’s bells prepare to ring for the Pope’s arrival, Annaba stands as a symbol of reconciliation—its joy echoing the shared spiritual heritage of all Algerians who trace part of their identity back to Augustine’s enduring legacy.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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