Pope bids farewell to Algeria, takes off for Cameroon

After a short visit to a Church-run orphanage in Algiers, Pope Leo XIV boarded the papal plane to continue his Apostolic Journey to Algeria by flying to Cameroon, the second stop in his visit to four African nations.

Pope Leo XIV departed from Algiers’ “Houari Boumediene” International Airport at 10:15 AM local time on Wednesday morning, concluding the first part of his trip abroad to four nations.

The papal plane is scheduled to land at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport in Cameroon at around 3:20 PM, marking the start of the second leg of the 11-day journey.

Before heading to the airport, the Pope said goodbye to the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria and made a short visit to the Our Lady of Africa Nursery, managed by the Missionary Sisters of Charity. During his visit, the children put on a small performance for the Pope who then greeted them and the sisters.

Previously, upon his arrival in Algiers, Pope Leo XIV participated in a welcoming ceremony and paid a visit to the President of the Republic. He also visited the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument, met with various authorities, civil society members, and members of the diplomatic corps, and visited the Great Mosque of Algiers.

Additionally, the Pope privately visited the Welcome and Friendship Center of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters in Bab El Oued, met with the Algerian community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa.

During the second day of his visit to Algeria, the Pope traveled to Annaba, the historical site of the ancient city of Hippo, where Saint Augustine once served as Bishop. He visited the archaeological site and spent time with elderly residents at the Ma Maison Care Home for the Elderly, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. Later in the day, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine.

A brief farewell ceremony was held at the airport on Wednesday morning just before the Pope’s departure, with the presence of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria and a delegation of civil and Church representatives.