Pope Leo XIV visited the Grand Mosque of Algiers on Monday afternoon in a landmark visit symbolizing interfaith dialogue and the values of peaceful coexistence.
Accompanied by Minister and Dean of the Grand Mosque Sheikh Mohammed Mamoun Al-Qasimi Al-Hassani and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, the Pope toured the mosque’s prayer hall and cultural facilities before signing the Golden Registry and exchanging symbolic gifts with the Dean.
Sheikh Al-Hassani told dzwatch that dialogue has become “a civilizational necessity, not intellectual courtesy” and expressed hope it would translate into concrete cooperation, calling on major Islamic and Christian institutions to “manufacture hope and provide reassurance” as a foundation for global spiritual security.
The Dean affirmed the mosque’s ambition to serve as “a space for knowledge, dialogue, and human service” drawing on Algeria’s historic legacy of moderation and openness.
Pope Leo XIV expressed joy at visiting Algeria — the land of Saint Augustine — describing the mosque as “a place of prayer, knowledge, and truth,” while stressing the importance of human dignity and peaceful coexistence for all.
