Double attack attempt near Algiers during papal visit

A double attack attempt was reported on Monday, April 13, in Blida, a town of approximately 300,000 inhabitants located southwest of Algiers. This incident occurred in a relatively stable security context, as Algeria has not experienced a terrorist attack since 2017. Concurrently, during a solemn religious ceremony, Monseigneur Jean-Paul Vesco delivered an address before Pope Leo XIV. He described a community marked by concrete and daily ecumenism, highlighting the confessional diversity of the faithful. He stated, "Together we live a very concrete and very natural ecumenism," acknowledging the presence of representatives from Orthodox, Anglican, Evangelical, and Adventist churches, "with whom we live a true fraternity." He also mentioned the presence of the Jewish community, referring to "our brothers of Judaism, also present in this assembly." The cardinal then extended a special greeting to the pontiff on behalf of those absent, particularly detainees followed by chaplains across the country. "I greet you on behalf of those who are following this celebration from the cells of the sixty or so prisons that our chaplains regularly visit throughout the national territory, in very good understanding with the prison administration," he affirmed. He also spoke of the tragic situation of migrants seeking a better future, many of whom perish at sea or in the desert. Following the ceremony, the Pope was to meditate before the cenotaph dedicated to the victims of these tragedies and