Algeria Attends Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

In a significant gesture of interfaith solidarity, Algeria, represented by Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs Youcef Belmehdi, participated in the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 19. The event marked the beginning of the new pope’s pontificate, with Belmehdi highlighting Algeria's inclusive approach to all three monotheistic religions.

Minister Youcef Belmehdi was accompanied by key figures, including Rachid Bladehane, Algeria’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Mohamed Khelifi, the Algerian Ambassador to Italy, and Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers and Cardinal. The presence of the Minister underlined the government's commitment to fostering dialogue among different faiths, defying any misconceptions about the Ministry's role being limited to Islamic affairs.

Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, expressed his gratitude to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in a message delivered by Ambassador Bladehane, reiterating his desire to visit Algeria, the birthplace of Saint Augustine. The Pope's connection to Algeria is deeply personal, with his emotional ties to the town of Souk Ahras, which he has visited before. In 2023, as Cardinal-Deacon, he honored Souk Ahras, calling it a spiritual matrix and paying tribute to Saint Augustine and his mother, Sainte-Monique.

The Vatican visit represents a new chapter in Algeria’s diplomatic and religious engagement, reinforcing the country’s dedication to peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue, key principles upheld by President Tebboune.