Pope Leo XIV visits Algeria, traces St. Augustine’s legacy
Algiers, April 14: Pope Leo XIV is on a pilgrimage to Algeria, retracing the life of his spiritual inspiration, St Augustine of Hippo, in what is his second full day in the country and the first-ever papal visit there.
The trip focuses on Annaba, the ancient Roman city of Hippo, where St Augustine lived, served as bishop, wrote major Christian works, and was buried.
Leo described himself as a “son of St Augustine” shortly after his election and has consistently drawn on Augustine’s teachings as a guiding influence for his papacy.
During the visit, he is highlighting Augustine as a symbol of peace and a bridge between Christian and Muslim communities, especially amid global tensions including the US–Israel–Iran conflict and his recent differences with US President Donald Trump over calls for peace.
St Augustine, born in 354 in Roman North Africa to a Berber mother and Roman father, spent most of his life in the region, including Thagaste and Carthage (in present-day Algeria and Tunisia).
He later moved to Rome and Milan, where he converted to Christianity before returning to North Africa. There, he founded a monastery in Hippo and wrote influential works such as Confessions and The City of God, which remain central to Western philosophical and theological thought.
The pope’s visit also highlights Augustine’s North African identity, often overshadowed by a Eurocentric interpretation of his legacy.
Scholars note that Augustine spent most of his life in Africa, yet much of his intellectual heritage was later shaped in Europe after his remains were moved to Italy, although a relic remains in Annaba.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune welcomed the visit, expressing pride in Augustine as a “son of this land.” Leo, who previously visited the region as head of the Augustinian order, said the journey is deeply personal and reflects his mission to promote peace, reconciliation, and interreligious dialogue.
During the visit, Leo was scheduled to tour archaeological sites in Hippo, including the ancient theatre, baths, and basilica ruins, as well as meet Augustinian communities and nuns. He is also celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St Augustine, which houses a relic of the saint and attracts pilgrims from around the world, including Muslims. (AP)
