Pope bids farewell to Algeria, takes off for Cameroon

Pope Leo XIV took off from Algiers’ “Houari Boumédiène” International Airport on Wednesday morning at about 10:15 local time, wrapping up the first leg of his four-nation Apostolic Journey abroad. The papal plane is scheduled to land at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport in Cameroon at about 3:20 p.m., for the second leg of the journey.

The Pope kept an intense schedule in Algeria.

Even prior to the going to the airport, after leaving the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria and before going to the airport, Pope Leo XIV paid a brief visit to the Notre Dame of Africa Nursery, run by the Missionary Sisters of Charity. The children performed a short show for the Pope, who then greeted them and the sisters.

On Monday, after his arrival in Algiers and a welcome ceremony, Pope Leo XIV paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic. He then visited the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument, met with the authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps, and visited the Great Mosque of Algiers. He also made a private visit to the Welcome and Friendship Center of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters in Bab El Oued, and met with the Algerian community in the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa.

On Tuesday, the second day of his visit to Algeria, the Pope travelled to Annaba, the site of the ancient city of Hippo, where Saint Augustine served as Bishop. After visiting the archaeological site, the Pope spent a few moments with several elderly residents of the Ma Maison Care Home for the Elderly, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. In the afternoon, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine.

On Wednesday morning, a brief farewell ceremony took place at the airport immediately before the Pope’s departure, in the presence of the President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and a delegation of civil and Church representatives.