Pope Leo XIV visited the elderly care home at Saint Augustine Church in Annaba, eastern Algeria, on Tuesday, marking his second stop during his historic visit to the country.
The Vatican’s pontiff received a warm welcome from the home’s staff, who expressed deep gratitude to the Algerian people for their generosity and support in meeting the needs of their residents, enabling them to continue their humanitarian mission.
Pope Leo XIV listened attentively to residents of various nationalities before being greeted by the moving hymn ‘Peace Be Upon You, Land of My Ancestors’ — a message of peace from Algeria to the world.
Speaking exclusively to dzwatch, the Pope expressed joy at being in a place that ‘symbolizes love, solidarity, and brotherhood,’ adding that his presence there ’embodies the values of hope, despite the wars and injustices the world is witnessing.’
He praised such humanitarian and solidarity-driven initiatives as reflecting ‘the true meaning of human coexistence.’
The visit concluded with staff and residents honoring Pope Leo XIV with symbolic gifts.
