On April 14, Pope Leo XIV spent the day in Annaba, a coastal city in northeastern Algeria. Despite adverse, rainy, and windy weather, he came to pay tribute to his spiritual master, St. Augustine, who lived from 354 to 430 and served as the bishop of Hippo, Annaba's ancient name, for over 30 years.
“On the day of your election as Supreme Pontiff,” Bishop Michel Guillaud remarked, “you said something that made the Algerian people tremble, especially those of Annaba: ‘I am a son of Augustine.’”
“Since that day, it became clear to everyone that you would come,” the Bishop of Constantine added. This was his triumphal greeting to the Pope inside the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba.
The Pope of Augustinian spirituality thus personally visited the city of his spiritual master, the Bishop of Hippo. In doing so, he became the first pope in history to visit Algeria.
This Tuesday, the downtown streets of Annaba, a large eastern coastal city of over 300,000 residents, were adorned with the Vatican's white and yellow flags. They fluttered alongside Algeria's green and white ones.
Besides a line of horsemen at the airport and heavy security on every main road, downpours also welcomed the head of the Catholic Church. Severe weather has battered Africa's largest country since his arrival in Algiers on Monday.
A rainy blessing for the land
The fierce weather made Algerians smile. “Since it rarely rains here, the rain is a blessing for the land and the crops,” noted Father Jose Maria Cantal Rivas.
“When rain arrives, we have this expression, 'Jab el khir,' meaning 'God brought the blessing,'” the Spanish missionary explained.
He added with amusement: "Because it has rained since the Pope arrived in Algeria, some Algerians said we will now call him 'Leo Jab el khir.'" This translates to "Leo who brings blessings wherever he goes."
Nevertheless, the torrential rain disrupted the Pontiff's schedule. His visit to Annaba's archaeological site had to be cut short. This vast territory covers the ruins of the ancient city where Augustine was bishop. The Pope wasn’t able to stroll through the Roman-era ruins. Instead, he was obliged to stop at the entrance, placing a wreath on the soaked lawn.
On St. Augustine's land
The 267th pope spent about 10 minutes at the site, which could be summed up in a few vivid images. It featured gray clouds, dripping raincoats, swampy puddles, and a choir huddled under a tent whose canvas was flapping in the wind.
However, the lasting memory will be the happy smiles of the Pope and the Muslim scouts. Together, they shoveled some dirt to plant a young olive tree.
Then came a special moment when everyone gently stepped back to let Pope Leo pray. The “son of St. Augustine” observed a time of intense silence with clasped hands. With downcast eyes, he appeared visibly moved and pensive before the very land his master walked 1,600 years earlier.
A brother on the journey
“Everyone has finally understood that Augustine was a big brother for you on your journey as a believer,” Bishop Guillaud noted a few hours later. He spoke inside the Basilica of St. Augustine, where festive songs resonated.
The Pope chose to celebrate his only Mass of the Algerian trip there. He was actually already familiar with the building. Robert Prevost, then prior of his order, attended its 2013 inauguration following several years of renovations.
Seeing the Bishop of Rome walk in St. Augustine's footsteps leaves a strong impression in Algeria. “For a long time, Augustine was presented as the predecessor of colonialism,” Father Cantal Rivas explained. “But with this trip, Algerians understand that he is a very important figure for many people.” He hopes this historic stay will foster "more trust toward Christians from all Algerians."
This is the underlying appeal the Pope made during his homily in French. He entrusted Christians with the “fundamental rule of charity,” even “in the face of misery and oppression.”
When the Pope departed after his seven hours there, the sun pierced through the clouds again like an auspicious omen.
