Father Fred Wekesa, Rector of the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba, tells Vatican News about the local community’s joy to welcome Pope Leo XIV, noting his visit has been a source of joy for all people of Algeria, Catholics and non-Christians alike.
By Olivier Bonnel and Deborah Castellano Lubov
“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.”
In an interview with Vatican News’ Olivier Bonnel in Annaba, Father Wekesa shared his thoughts as Pope Leo XIV makes an Apostolic Journey to the nation during his four-country visit to Africa.
Pope Leo’s visit to Algeria marks the first-ever papal visit to the nation.
“The atmosphere here is filled with joy,” Fr. Wekesa noted. “I’m very, very happy, and so are my brothers. We are very joyful that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, is visiting—not just visiting us Christians, but the people of Algeria, and specifically here in Annaba.”
He recalled the delight in Annaba when the first Augustinian Pope, Pope Leo, was elected on May 8 of last year.
“It was a joy for everyone here,” the priest recalled. “Many brothers and sisters who are Muslims sent us messages of congratulations. Why? Because, as the Holy Father, he is a son of Augustine. That resonated.”
St. Augustine, the rector of the basilica said, is what immediately and continues to connect Algerians with the Holy Father.
“It is Augustine,” he explained, “because 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 him.”
Emphasizing the papal visit as a national event, Fr. Wekesa stressed, “It’s not only for us Christians, who are a minority, but it’s a national event for all Algerians.”
“The government is inviting him as Pope, 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,” he observed, “you are Augustinian forever.”
Finally, the rector of the Basilica of Saint Augustine explained that Pope Leo is very Augustinian in his approach, especially toward peace.
“His visit is part of interreligious dialogue to advance the message of peace. With his words and actions, he’s advocating peace, following in the footsteps of Saint Augustine.”
