Pope Leo XIV begins his longest Apostolic Journey to Africa, calling for peace, dialogue, and unity amid controversy over U.S. political remarks.
Newsroom (13/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV departed Rome’s Fiumicino Airport early Monday morning at 9:06 a.m., beginning his third and longest Apostolic Journey yet. Over the next ten days, the Holy Father will travel across four African nations—Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea—guided by themes of peace, migration, the environment, the family, and youth.
His first stop, Algeria, marks a historic milestone: no pope has ever before visited the country. The visit, rich with symbolic and personal meaning, begins with a three-day stay that includes encounters with local authorities, members of the Augustinian community, and visits to key cultural and spiritual landmarks.
First Steps on Algerian Soil
The papal plane landed in Algiers to a cool morning drizzle, where Pope Leo was warmly welcomed by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the Salon d’Honneur of Houari Boumediene International Airport. A young girl in traditional attire presented flowers to the Holy Father as national anthems played in the background, setting a tone of respect and anticipation for the journey ahead.
Following a brief private meeting with President Tebboune, the Pope’s first stop was the Maqam Echahid—the iconic Martyrs’ Memorial honoring those who fought in the Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962). The visit underscores his message of memory, reconciliation, and national dignity.
A Deep Personal Connection
For Pope Leo XIV, Algeria holds profound personal resonance. The nation is home to Annaba, historically known as Hippo, the city where St. Augustine served as bishop from 395 until his death in 430. As a former Prior General of the Augustinian Order, the Pope’s return to this region evokes both spiritual lineage and continuity of mission.
Before his election as pontiff, then-Father Robert Prevost made two visits to Algeria—in 2001 and again in 2013—alongside travels across Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania. His prior experiences, he has said, shaped his understanding of Africa’s cultural depth, its theological vitality, and its pressing social challenges.
Addressing Global Tensions in Mid-Air
En route to Algiers, Pope Leo spoke to journalists aboard the papal flight, a customary practice for pontiffs on international journeys. Responding to recent critical remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, Pope Leo addressed the controversy with firm composure.
“I do not see my role as that of a politician,” he declared. “I am not a politician, and I do not want to enter into a debate with him.” Reiterating his long-standing commitment to the Gospel’s message of peace, he added, “Too many people are suffering today, too many innocent lives have been lost, and I believe someone must stand up and say there is a better way.”
He urged world leaders—not only President Trump—to renounce war and pursue dialogue. “Let us end wars and promote peace and reconciliation,” he said emphatically, renewing the same appeal that marked the beginning of his pontificate.
When pressed by American journalists, Pope Leo maintained, “I have no fear of the Trump administration or of speaking loudly the message of the Gospel. We are not politicians. We are peacemakers.”
The U.S. Bishops Respond
Archbishop Paul Coakley, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, swiftly responded to President Trump’s remarks, expressing support for the Holy Father and disappointment in the tone of the political exchange.
“Pope Leo is not his rival, nor is the Pope a politician,” Coakley said in a public statement. “He is the Vicar of Christ, who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.”
The Journey’s Broader Mission
Beyond political headlines, the Pope’s mission to Africa carries deep pastoral and moral weight. His engagements in Algeria include meetings with local authorities, a visit to a home for the elderly run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the celebration of Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba.
He described this journey as “special for many reasons,” noting that it was originally planned to be the first of his pontificate. “St. Augustine offers a very important bridge in interreligious dialogue,” he said. “This journey is not only for me; it is for the Church and for the world—because we must always seek bridges that build peace and reconciliation.”
In closing remarks to journalists, the Holy Father summarized the mission that lies ahead: “We continue forward with the same voice and the same message: what we want to do is promote peace, reconciliation, respect, and consideration for all peoples.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican news
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