Pope Leo XIV has commenced an 11-days tour of Africa, beginning in Algeria, in a high-profile trip overshadowed by sharp criticism from Donald Trump over the pontiff’s stance on the Iran conflict.
The pope departed Rome for a multi-nation visit that will also take him to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, covering more than 18,000 kilometres.
However, hours before his departure, Trump publicly rebuked the pontiff, accusing him of interfering in geopolitical matters.
“I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo,” Trump told reporters, alleging the pope was “toying with a country (Iran) that wants a nuclear weapon.”
The former US leader also suggested that Leo’s election as pope last year was influenced by his American background, positioning him as a potential bridge to Washington. Trump further stirred controversy by sharing an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus Christ.
Although he did not mention Trump directly, Pope Leo had earlier condemned threats against civilians in Iran as “unacceptable.” He has also previously criticised policies under the Trump administration, describing its treatment of migrants as “inhuman.”
In what analysts view as a diplomatic balancing act, Giorgia Meloni — considered an ally of Trump — expressed support for the papal visit.
“May the Holy Father’s ministry foster the resolution of conflicts and the return of peace… and provide support and comfort to the Christian communities he will encounter,” Meloni said in a statement.
The pope’s first stop is the capital, Algiers, where he is scheduled to meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, address diplomats and honour victims of Algeria’s war of independence.
The visit carries strong personal and spiritual meaning for Leo, who identifies closely with Saint Augustine, one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers who was born in present-day Algeria.
Leo, a member of the Augustinian order, has frequently cited Augustine’s teachings and previously visited the country twice before his election as pope.
The pope is expected to travel to Annaba — historically known as Hippo — where Augustine once lived and wrote his seminal work, Confessions.
Father Fred Wekesa, rector of the Saint Augustine Basilica in Annaba, described the visit as uplifting for the local Christian community.
“The pope’s visit will bring a message of encouragement and solidarity to our small flock,” Wekesa said.
Monday’s schedule includes visits to the Great Mosque of Algiers and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, symbolising interfaith outreach.
Leo will also pray privately in memory of clergy killed during Algeria’s civil war, a conflict that claimed an estimated 200,000 lives.
Despite ongoing concerns raised by human rights groups about restrictions on religious minorities, local clergy say the visit presents an opportunity to reshape global perceptions of the country.
“We are capable of living together in peace,” Wekesa added, urging the world to look beyond Algeria’s past conflicts and recognise its culture of hospitality.
