Pope Leo XIV advocates for "peace of hearts" in Algiers during African tour
via Lefaso.net1 min read
Pope Leo XIV began his African tour in Algiers on Monday, January 13, 2026, by visiting the Maqam Echahid memorial. At the monument dedicated to independence martyrs, the Pontiff honored the Algerian people's dignity and their resilience in overcoming historical challenges. He emphasized the importance of Algerian hospitality and the country's spiritual heritage, dating back to Saint Augustine. The Pope stated that peace extends beyond the absence of conflict, reflecting human dignity and social justice. He praised the Algerian people's strength, youth, hospitality, and fraternity, noting that friendship, trust, and solidarity are core values. Pope Leo XIV urged an end to generational resentments, asserting that true liberation is achieved through the "peace of hearts" fostered by forgiveness. This visit to a predominantly Muslim nation aims to strengthen interfaith and intercultural dialogue on the continent. Following Algeria, the Pope is scheduled to visit Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
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