President Tebboune Sees Off Pope Leo XIV After Landmark Visit to Algeria
By Dr. Hana Saada
The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on Wednesday bid farewell to Pope Leo XIV at Houari Boumediene International Airport, bringing to a close an official visit that combined ceremonial protocol with carefully calibrated messages on peace, coexistence, and dialogue.
The departure ceremony reflected the full weight of state honours. The national anthems of Algeria and the Vatican were performed, followed by a review of formations of the People’s National Army. The President of the Republic greeted members of the papal delegation, while the pontiff, in turn, saluted senior Algerian officials in a final exchange underscoring the diplomatic tone of the visit.
The visit had begun earlier in the week with the pontiff’s arrival in Algiers, at the invitation of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The reception, marked by official protocol and high-level attendance, signalled from the outset the importance attributed by Algerian authorities to this visit, framed as both a religious and diplomatic event.
During his stay in the capital, Pope Leo XIV held meetings with state officials and representatives of religious institutions, where emphasis was placed on interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and the promotion of shared human values. These exchanges highlighted Algeria’s longstanding commitment to religious coexistence and its positioning as a space for dialogue between cultures and faiths.
The second stage of the visit took the pontiff to Annaba, where he visited the Basilica of St. Augustine, one of the most significant Christian heritage sites in North Africa. There, he presided over a mass and delivered a message marked by gratitude and reflection. He thanked Algeria for its hospitality, extending particular appreciation to the national authorities for the welcome accorded to him throughout his stay.
From Annaba, the pontiff renewed his appeal for global peace, calling on the international community to follow “the paths of justice and communion.”
Throughout the visit, the themes of peace, coexistence, and dialogue remained constant. The pontiff’s repeated references to hospitality and fraternity echoed broader efforts to promote understanding across religious and cultural divides, while Algeria’s official reception underscored its diplomatic approach grounded in moderation and openness.
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