ALGIERS, Algeria

Algeria’s presidency confirmed on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV will pay an official visit to the country in April, marking the first visit by the pontiff to the North African nation.

In a statement, the presidency said the visit comes at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, describing the trip as an opportunity “to strengthen bonds of friendship, trust and mutual understanding between Algeria and the Holy See.”

The presidency added that the visit would “undoubtedly open new horizons for cooperation,” reflecting a shared belief in the need to promote peace, dialogue and justice in addressing global challenges.

In a separate brief statement, the presidency said Tebboune chaired a meeting Wednesday to review preparations for the visit.

The Vatican earlier announced that Pope Leo XIV will visit Algeria from April 13 to 15 as part of an African tour that will also include Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

According to Algerian media, the pope is expected to deliver an official address, visit the Basilica of Notre Dame d’Afrique in Algiers and travel to the coastal city of Annaba, home to Saint Augustine, one of the most influential Christian theologians of the Roman era.

Tebboune met Pope Leo XIV in July during a visit to Italy, and discussed ways of strengthening diplomatic relations between Algeria and the Holy See.

In May, during his inaugural Mass, the pope expressed to Algeria’s ambassador to the Holy See his desire to visit the country, referring to it as the land of Saint Augustine.