Pope Leo XIV departs Rome for Africa tour, sends message to President Mattarella

Rome — Pope Leo XIV departed Rome on Monday morning for a 10 day apostolic journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, marking one of the most significant foreign trips of his pontificate to date.

The Pope left at 9:07 a.m. aboard an ITA Airways Airbus A330-900neo, bound for Algiers, where he landed at Houari Boumédiène International Airport at 9:48 a.m. local time.

As is customary before leaving Italian territory, the pontiff sent a telegram to President Sergio Mattarella, expressing his respectful greetings and prayers for the nation.

“In the moment in which I am about to undertake the apostolic journey… moved by a deep desire to meet the faithful and the inhabitants of those dear nations, I wish to extend to you, Mr President, my deferential greetings,” the Pope wrote. He added that he accompanies his message with “fervent prayers for the good and prosperity of the entire Italian people.”

Upon arrival in Algiers, Pope Leo XIV was formally received by the President of the Republic in a brief but symbolic welcome ceremony. A child presented the pontiff with flowers before national anthems were played, followed by honours to the flags and the inspection of a guard of honour.

After greetings with official delegations, the Pope proceeded to the Salon d’Honneur for a private meeting with the Algerian head of state.

The pontiff is scheduled to continue his programme with a visit to the Maqam Echahid, the national Martyrs’ Memorial, marking the beginning of a trip expected to focus on interfaith dialogue, peace and the strengthening of Catholic communities across Africa.

PS