Pope Leo XIV departed Rome’s Fiumicino Airport as he began his third and longest-yet Apostolic Journey, which takes him to four countries on the African continent: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
The papal plane departed from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at 9:06 AM and landed at the Algiers International Airport Houari Boumediene.
Pope Leo greets flight crew on the papal plane headed to Algeria (@Vatican Media)
Starting this 10-day Apostolic Journey, Pope Leo is scheduled to spend two days in Algeria—becoming the first pontiff to visit the country. Peace, migration, the environment, young people, and the family are the themes guiding this journey.
The three-day visit to Algeria includes meetings with local authorities and an Augustinian community, as well as a visit to a monument commemorating the Algerian War (1954-1962).
The Holy Father is also scheduled to pay a visit to a home for the elderly run by the Little Sisters of the Poor and he will preside over Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba.
This papal journey to Algeria holds personal significance for Pope Leo XIV, as the country is home to Annaba (formerly known as Hippo)—the city where St. Augustine served as Bishop from 395 until his death in 430.
However, this is not Pope Leo’s first time to the African continent. As the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, the-then Fr. Robert Prevost visited a number of African countries, including Algeria, Kenya, and Tanzania. He made two visits to Algeria itself in 2001 and 2013.
