
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Annaba on Tuesday morning, marking a more personal and spiritual phase of his Algerian visit, following a day focused on interfaith dialogue in Algiers. He was welcomed at Rabah-Bitat Airport by local authorities, the Bishop of Constantine-Hippone, and the Algerian Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Culture, amidst light rain, traditional songs, and children offering flowers. The Pope's itinerary in Annaba includes visiting the archaeological site of Hippo, where Saint Augustine lived and taught. This visit holds deep significance for Pope Leo XIV, who was a former prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine and has a profound connection to the Christian thinker. Saint Augustine, born in 354 in Thagaste present-day Souk Ahras, was Bishop of Hippo for nearly 35 years and authored major theological and philosophical works, including "The Confessions." Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, has openly embraced this Augustinian heritage. His Annaba schedule also features a meeting with the Little Sisters of the Poor, a private exchange with Augustinian order members, and a mass at the Saint Augustine Basilica. The first day of his visit in Algiers included an official reception by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a tribute at the Martyrs' Monument, a visit to the Grand Mosque of Algiers where he emphasized mutual respect and harmony, and a moment of reflection at Notre-Dame d’Afrique Basilica, where he honored the 19 martyrs of Algeria and spoke of building com
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.