The Digest:
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Algeria to begin an 11-day tour of Africa, the longest trip of his papacy. The pope will also visit Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. No pope has previously visited Algeria, a predominantly Muslim country of nearly 47 million people with only about 9,000 Catholics. The country holds special significance for Leo, as St Augustine of Hippo was born there. He is scheduled to travel to Annaba (formerly Hippo) on Tuesday.
Key Points:
- Africa is home to about 290 million Catholics, more than Europe.
- The continent accounts for about 20.3% of the global Catholic population.
- John Paul II visited Africa 15 times; Francis made five trips.
- Leo met with Algerian President Tebboune, who called the visit "historic."
- The pope was scheduled to visit the Great Mosque in Algiers.
