The former Archbishop of Algiers, Paul Desfarges, told dzwatch that Pope Leo XIV’s message during his visit to Algeria is deeply rooted in values of peace, friendship, and coexistence among peoples and religions.
The Archbishop emphasized that the visit “carries a profound human and spiritual dimension, reinforcing interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.”
He added that the visit “embodies the intellectual and humanitarian legacy of Saint Augustine, whose name is forever linked to Algeria — a cornerstone for promoting dialogue between Muslims and Christians.”
Desfarges further stated that the papal visit “represents a rare opportunity to showcase Algeria’s model of shared coexistence, built on mutual respect, peace, and friendship.”
The visit, he noted, comes within a framework of “promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and bringing peoples closer together — at a time when the international community urgently needs greater initiatives of understanding and coexistence.”
