Algeria in North Africa looking forward to Pope Leo's historic visit April 13-15

Algiers prepares for Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit from April 13–15, highlighting religious freedom and interfaith harmony in the country. Residents and officials see the trip as a positive symbol of peace and respect among all faiths.

Abdelaziz Boumzar, Thawab Herzallah, Mai Shams El-Din/Reuters

7 April 2026 at 09:11:54

Algeria in North Africa looking forward to Pope Leo's historic visit April 13-15

A screengrab photo in video showing Algier's Basilica of Our Lady of Africa ahead of Pope Leo's visit.

Reuters

Residents of Algiers expressed their optimism about the upcoming historical visit by Pope Leo XIV, who is expected to meet members of Algeria’s Christian community during a three-day trip to the country between April 13 and April 15.

“The visit of the Pope to Algiers is a positive step to show the whole world that in this country there are no conflicts between religions,” said Massinissa Boughazar.

“It highlights that there is freedom and democracy in the practice of religion, that all religions are respected,” added Boughazar.

At the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, workers were seen painting its exterior and surroundings in anticipation of the visit.

According to the official Vatican news website, this will be the third journey of Pope Leo outside Italy since the beginning of his pontificate, and he will be travelling to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

-Abdelaziz Boumzar, Thawab Herzallah, Mai Shams El-Din/Reuters