Pope Leo XIV visits the city of Annaba on his second day in Algeria, visiting the places where Saint Augustine carried out his ministry as Bishop of Hippo.
Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his second day in Algeria, the first leg of his four-country Apostolic Journey in Africa.
He took a one-hour flight from Algiers to Annaba on Tuesday morning, 14 April, to visit the archaeological site of Hippo, where Saint Augustine was bishop for more than 30 years, until his death in 430. The Holy Father planted an olive tree in a spot next to the ruins, as a symbol of peace.
The Pope then visited a care home for the elderly run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. He told them that “God’s heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice, and lies” and that “our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud”. There was a feeling of calm throughout the encounter in which members of the small community were able to personally greet the Holy Father.
Afterwards he had a private meeting and lunch with his fellow Augustinians, before concluding his public events of the day by celebrating Holy Mass in the Basilica of Saint Augustine. The celebration brought together people from around the world and was a visible gesture of closeness and support for the small Christian community in the Muslim-majority country.
