Pope Leo XIV Starts African Tour in Algeria Amid US Rift

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on Tuesday for the first leg of an 11-day African tour, visiting the northeastern city of Annaba to honor Saint Augustine amid heightened tensions with the United States over his criticism of ongoing conflicts. The pontiff, an American-born Augustinian, celebrated Mass at a basilica overlooking the Mediterranean and toured the ancient Roman ruins of Hippo, where Saint Augustine served as bishop from 396 to 430. Despite rainy weather that shortened some events, Leo laid a wreath at the archaeological site and heard performances of songs based on Augustine's texts promoting peace and fraternity.

The visit proceeded under tight security following two suicide attacks in nearby Blida the previous day, with the pope expressing gratitude to Algerian authorities for their arrangements. Speaking to a small congregation of several hundred Catholics in a nation where they number fewer than 10,000 among 47 million people, Leo urged the faithful to live their faith through everyday acts of solidarity and dialogue. "Simple gestures" of resilience, he said in French during his homily, could sustain the community's identity and hope, even as a minority presence...