Rome / Algiers — Pope Leo XIV departed Rome on Monday for Algeria, marking the start of an 11-day African tour that is already drawing global attention—and controversy.
The visit is set to be historic, as Pope Leo XIV becomes the first leader of the world’s Catholics to travel to Algeria, a predominantly Muslim nation. According to Jean-Paul Vesco, the trip is aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and helping “build bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds.”
However, the tour risks being overshadowed by sharp criticism from Donald Trump, who spoke out just hours before the Pope’s departure. Addressing reporters, Trump said, “I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo,” and accused the pontiff of “toying with a country (Iran) that wants a nuclear weapon,” in response to the Pope’s calls for an end to violence in the ongoing Iran conflict.
Despite the remarks, Vatican officials have framed the African tour as a mission of peace, dialogue, and outreach, particularly in regions where religious coexistence remains a sensitive issue.
The Algeria stop is expected to set the tone for the rest of the trip, which will include engagements with religious leaders, government officials, and local Catholic communities across the continent.
Observers say the success of the visit will likely hinge on its diplomatic impact and the Pope’s ability to navigate the intersection of faith and geopolitics at a time of heightened global tensions.