Pope Leo XIV opens African tour

The tour will also include stops in Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea as the Pope addresses the rapid growth of Catholicism on the continent.

During his early papacy, Leo has been vocal about the 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling global conflicts, including the war in Iran.

In Algeria, he is expected to meet with religious and political leaders to discuss regional stability and the protection of civilian populations.

The trip is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties with Africa's media-savvy and growing demographic.