Pope Leo XIV plans to visit Algeria on April 13, 2026, marking the beginning of his ten-day African tour that will also cover Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. His itinerary includes stops in the Algerian cities of Algiers and Annaba from April 13 to 15. This will be a historic event, as it represents the first visit by a pope to Algeria, a country where Islam is the state religion and plays a significant cultural and political role.

The Pope's intention behind this visit is to explore the life of Saint Augustine, a prominent figure in Christian history originally from the current Algerian region of Souk Ahras. He served as the Bishop of Hippo in what is now Annaba. During his visit, Pope Leo XIV hopes to advance interfaith dialogue and strengthen ties between the Christian and Muslim communities. Algeria's Constitution ensures freedom of worship, although it is subject to the approval of authorities for both places of worship and their leaders, which adds a layer of complexity to religious interactions in the country.

Pope Leo XIV’s journey could have significant implications for religious relations in Algeria, a nation with a deep Islamic heritage. By visiting Algeria, the Pope aims to acknowledge the rich religious history stemming from figures like Saint Augustine while also addressing contemporary issues within interfaith dialogue. His visit may pave the way for improved relations between Christians and Muslims in Algeria, encouraging mutual understanding and respect in a historically complex relationship.