The Africa tour is expected to continue over the coming days, with further visits aimed at strengthening ties…reports Asian Lite News
Pope Leo XIV has begun an 11 day tour of Africa, arriving in Algeria on Monday and calling for peace and reconciliation amid rising global tensions.
The visit marks his return to the continent three years after Pope Francis travelled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan in early 2023. The current tour will also take Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
Described as a missionary journey, the trip includes a packed schedule of engagements with communities across a continent facing deep challenges, but also marked by resilience and hope.
In his first address in Algeria, delivered at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Algiers, the Pope placed peace at the centre of his message, stressing that it must be rooted in justice and dignity rather than simply the absence of conflict.
“God desires peace for every nation,” he said, adding that true reconciliation can only be achieved through forgiveness. He described inner peace as essential to overcoming cycles of violence.
The Pope acknowledged the difficulty of forgiveness, warning that growing global conflicts risk deepening resentment across generations. His remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing wars and tensions in regions such as Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine, as well as rising concerns in West Asia following stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran.
He cautioned against escalating militarisation, saying lasting solutions cannot be built on violence. “The future belongs to men and women of peace,” he said, expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.
The message carried particular significance in Algeria, where the Catholic Church represents a small minority. The Pope highlighted the importance of service, solidarity and shared humanity, noting the role of local Christian communities in supporting wider society.
The Africa tour is expected to continue over the coming days, with further visits aimed at strengthening ties, promoting dialogue and reinforcing a message of peace across the region.
