
Pope Leo XIV expressed profound gratitude to Algerian authorities for the welcome he received during his official visit to Algeria, speaking from Annaba on Tuesday. This historic visit is part of an African tour and signifies a moment of dialogue and rapprochement between peoples. During a mass at Saint Augustine's Church in Annaba, the Pope publicly thanked his hosts, stating, "I thank everyone for the welcome I have received, and I extend a special thank you to the Algerian authorities for their generosity." Upon his arrival at Rabah Bitat International Airport in Annaba, Leo XIV was greeted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, along with civil and military officials. Residents gathered in the city streets to welcome him, highlighting the symbolic importance of the visit. The Annaba visit holds particular significance for the Pope, a former prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine, who considers it a spiritual return to his roots due to his strong connection to Saint Augustine. His first stop was the archaeological site of Hippo, an ancient Roman city where Saint Augustine lived and ministered until his death in 430. A symbolic moment was the planting of an olive tree from the tree associated with Saint Augustine, presented as a message of peace, dialogue, and fraternity. The Pope also laid a wreath of flowers at the site, accompanied by songs inspired by Algerian heritage, in the presence of officials including the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bend
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.