By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Pope Leo XIV visited the Great Mosque of Algiers on Monday, marking a historic moment as the first-ever leader of the Catholic Church to visit the Muslim nation of Algeria.

This stop was a key highlight of his 11-day African tour, which also includes visits to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

In a traditional gesture of respect, the Pope removed his shoes before entering the mosque, which houses the world’s highest minaret. He was welcomed by the Rector of the Mosque, Mohamed Mamoun al Qasim, who praised the visit as an act of fraternity between the two major faiths.

During the visit, the Pope spent time in silent meditation, describing the mosque as a sacred space that belongs to God. He used the occasion to emphasize the shared responsibility of Christians and Muslims to build global peace and recognize the dignity of every human being.

The Pontiff spoke about his personal spiritual connection to Algeria through Saint Augustine of Hippo, a 5th-century theologian whom he considers his “spiritual father.” He noted that the mosque complex serves a dual purpose of religious devotion and the advancement of human knowledge.

The visit included a guided tour of the expansive complex and an official signing of the Book of Honour. In his written message, the Pope prayed for the mercy of the Most High to keep and protect the people of Algeria and foster justice and reconciliation among all nations.

Despite his warm reception, the trip began under a cloud of international tension following public criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding the Pope’s calls for peace in the Iran war. Nevertheless, the Algerian government hailed the visit as a victory for “Algerian soft power” and regional stability.