ALGIERS – Pope Leo XIV began a landmark visit to Algeria yesterday in the first trip to the Muslim-majority country by a pontiff that risked being overshadowed by criticism from US President Donald Trump. Shortly before leaving Rome, the US-born pope became the target of public criticism from Trump, who railed against Leo’s comments calling for an end to violence in the Iran war.

The pope told reporters aboard the papal plane that he had “no intention to debate with” Trump, adding that he was “not a politician”. Trump had said he was “not a big fan of Pope Leo”, and accused him of “toying with a country (Iran) that wants a nuclear weapon”.

Leo landed in the capital Algiers shortly before 0900 GMT and was expected to pay tribute to victims of Algeria’s war of independence from France (1954-1962).

His two-day visit to Algeria, which Archbishop of Algiers Jean-Paul Vesco said aimed to “build bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds”, also kicked off the pontiff’s African tour.

The visit was also infused with personal significance for the pope as Algeria was the home of Saint Augustine (354-430), whose spiritual legacy permeates Leo’s pontificate.

The influential Christian theologian laid the foundations for the 13th century Augustinian order to which Leo belongs, one based on communal living and service. In his very first speech as pope, Leo presented himself as a “son” of Augustine, whose writings he often quotes.

The pope called his trip to Algeria “a very precious opportunity” to promote “peace and reconciliation with respect and consideration for all peoples”.

He has criticised as “unacceptable” Trump’s threats against civilians in Iran, although he did not name the US president, and he has also previously criticised the Trump administration’s “inhuman” treatment of migrants.

Trump has called the pontiff “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy”, suggesting that cardinals only elected Leo pope in May 2025 because he was American, and a potential bridge to Washington.

Trump then posted an AI-generated image seemingly depicting himself as Jesus Christ.

The papal visit to Africa takes in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, and covers more than 18 000 kilometres between 13 and 23 April. 

Far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement yesterday morning wishing the pope a successful trip to the four African nations.

“May the Holy Father’s ministry foster the resolution of conflicts and the return of peace, both internally and between nations,” she wrote. 

– Nampa/AFP