In his first day, Leo advanced a stated objective of his trip to Algeria, to build "bridges between the Christian world and the Muslim world." He met with government officials, the capital's tiny Catholic community and visited the Great Mosque of Algiers – the world's largest after the mosques in Mecca and Medina.

Algiers: During his apostolic journey to Algeria, Pope Leo XIV visited the "Ma Maison" care home in Annaba on Tuesday, where he delivered a message of humility and hope. Speaking to residents and staff at the home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Pontiff remarked, "God's heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud," but rather with "the little ones" and the humble.

The Pope’s visit followed a stop at the archaeological site of ancient Hippo, where St. Augustine once served as bishop. During the gathering, Leo XIV specifically thanked Salah Bouchemel, an elderly Muslim resident, for his testimony of fraternity, noting that such interfaith harmony offers a sign of hope in a world often "torn apart by wars, violence, and injustice."

He concluded the visit with a blessing and was scheduled to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine before returning to Algiers. This 10-day trip marks the Pope’s third apostolic journey, with upcoming stops planned for Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

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