Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on Monday for an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa, marking the first-ever papal visit to the North African nation. The American pope's visit centers on his spiritual connection to St. Augustine, whom he has called his guiding inspiration.

On his second day in Algeria, Leo visited Annaba, the modern city built on the ancient Roman site of Hippo where St. Augustine lived, taught, and wrote influential Christian texts including "Confessions" and "The City of God." Leo proclaimed himself a "son of St. Augustine" upon his election and has cited the saint extensively during his first year as pope.

St. Augustine was born in 354 in what is now Algeria to a Berber mother and Roman father. Though he spent time in Rome and Milan where he converted to Christianity, Augustine returned to North Africa and founded a monastery at Hippo, becoming a bishop and producing works that shaped Western Christian thought. After his death in Hippo, his body was eventually moved to Italy, though a relic remains in Algeria.

During his visit, Leo toured archaeological ruins of ancient Hippo, including the basilica where Augustine preached and the adjoining baptistry. He also celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, which houses relics of the saint and attracts thousands of annual pilgrims, including Muslims.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune welcomed Leo, expressing "immense pride" that Algerians feel about St. Augustine as "a cherished son of this land." Leo emphasized that Augustine represents "a very important bridge in interreligious dialogue" and said the visit was meant to "promote peace, reconciliation, respect and consideration for all peoples."

The papal visit comes amid ongoing international tensions, including what the reporting described as a U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran and tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Leo's calls for peace. Leo had originally planned Algeria as his first papal journey due to the Augustinian connection, though other trips intervened before this visit could take place.