Pope Leo XIV in Annaba for a spiritual visit tracing Saint Augustine's footsteps
via Algérie3603 min read
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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Algeria's Sahara Blend crude oil saw the largest value increase among Arab crudes in the first half of 2026. Its price rose by $23.91 per barrel, reaching an average of $96.04, marking a more than 33% growth compared to the same period in 2025. This surge is part of a general upward trend for Arab oils, with the OPEC basket's average price increasing by 30% to $93.67 per barrel from $72.04 a year prior. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the Iranian war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, contributed to this price hike by raising concerns about supply disruptions. The Sahara Blend remains one of the most valued crudes in the region, closely trailing Saudi Light, which was the most expensive at an average of $96.88 per barrel. Other regional crudes also showed strong performance: Kuwait Export increased by 30.42% to $95.13 per barrel, and Iraqi Basrah Medium rose by 31.07% to $93.57. Libyan Es Sider recorded the second-highest value increase of $23.8, with the highest relative growth in the region at 33.7%, reaching $94.47 per barrel. In contrast, Emirati Murban had the most moderate increase of 23.81%, settling at $89.06 per barrel. Despite this strong half-year, June 2026 saw a general decline in prices. Algerian Sahara Blend fell to $87.27 per barrel in June. Saudi Light remained the most expensive Arab crude in June at $96.89 per barrel, followed by Kuwait Export at $92.28, Libyan Es Sider at $86.47, Iraqi Basrah Medium at $85.1, and Emirati Murban at
Must ReadAlgeria's Ministry of National Defense announced the dismantling of a criminal cell affiliated with the separatist MAK movement, classified as a terrorist organization by Algerian authorities. The operation, conducted by army security services in Tizi Ouzou, resulted in six arrests, including four Moroccan nationals who were illegally present in Algeria. According to the Ministry, the group was active during the legislative elections, aiming to disrupt the process and prevent citizen participation. The operation was based on intelligence work, which allowed for the prior identification of all network members before their simultaneous arrest. The Ministry highlighted this as an example of security forces' ability to counter criminal plans and destabilizing threats. The presence of Moroccan nationals in the cell was noted, though no further details were provided on their entry into the territory or specific roles. This operation is part of a broader effort by the Algerian National People's Army against subversive and criminal networks, with numerous arrests and operations reported throughout the year against terrorist support elements and cross-border criminal organizations.
Zainab Ghebbache, a student with dual Algerian and Italian nationality, achieved a perfect score of 100/100 with "e Lode" with honors on the Italian Baccalaureate, known as the Esame di Maturità, in Belluno, Veneto. She was one of only six students at Renier High School to reach this academic distinction this year. Despite her literary background and passion for poetry, Ghebbache plans to pursue aerospace engineering at the University of Padua, aiming to establish herself as a woman in a scientific field. She also intends to earn a university degree in literature within the next two decades to continue her writing. Her achievement has been celebrated by the Algerian community in Italy, with the Federation of Algerian Students and Executives in Italy, through its founding president Houari Chelakh, congratulating her and her family. The federation expressed hope that Ghebbache will serve as a role model for future generations and a "worthy ambassador of Algeria" abroad.