‘Here Saint Augustine loved his flock’: Pope Leo visits Annaba, site of ancient Hippo

During his apostolic journey in Algeria, Pope Leo XIV on April 14 visited the Hippo archaeological site — marking an encounter with the land where Saint Augustine himself was bishop more than a thousand years ago. 

Pope Leo, himself an Augustinian priest, arrived in Annaba, which is near the site of the ancient city of Hippo, after a short morning flight from Algiers. After the local authorities welcomed him, his first stop was the archaeological site, according to a press release from the Holy See Press Office. 

“The Holy Father walked through the ruins and, upon reaching the end of the route, laid a wreath in memory of Saint Augustine, who served as bishop of the city for more than thirty years,” the release states. “The choir of the Annaba Institute of Music sang a hymn and the Pope paused for a moment of prayer.” 

According to Vatican News, Pope Leo also planted an olive tree at the site. 

The outlet reports that ancient Hippo, now Annaba, marked a significant economic center for the Roman Empire, and St. Augustine served as its bishop from 396 until 430. The Pope’s visit at the site lasted almost two hours. 

Afterward, he went to a home for elderly persons that is operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor.

In a brief address, the Pontiff told those gathered that the Lord, who is present wherever there is love and service, surely dwells within the home.

“I think that the Lord, looking down from heaven upon a house like this, where people strive to live together in fraternity, would say, ‘There is hope! Yes,” he said, “because God’s heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice and lies.”

“But our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant or the proud,” he continued. “God’s heart is with the little ones, with the humble, and with them he builds up his Kingdom of love and peace day by day, just as you are striving to do here in your daily service, in your friendship and life together.”

The same day, the Holy Father celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba. 

In his homily, he encouraged the Christians of Algeria, a Muslim-majority country, to be witnesses of the Gospel and remarked that they are “a humble and faithful sign of Christ’s love in this land.”

“Your presence in this country is like incense: a glowing grain that spreads fragrance because it gives glory to the Lord and joy and comfort to so many brothers and sisters,” he told them.

He described this incense as small and not attention-drawing to itself, but an invitation to turn one’s heart to God and encourage neighbors to persevere through challenges. 

“From the thurible of our hearts may there rise praise, blessing and supplication, spreading the sweet fragrance of mercy, almsgiving, and forgiveness,” he said. “Your history is one of generous hospitality and resilience in times of trial.

“Here the martyrs prayed; here Saint Augustine loved his flock, fervently seeking the truth and serving Christ with ardent faith. Be heirs to this tradition, bearing witness through fraternal charity to the freedom of those born from above as a hope of salvation for the world.”

Vatican News reported that Father Fred Wekesa, the basilica’s rector, said the Pope’s visit to Annaba was a point of joy for all local residents, not just Christians. 

"The atmosphere here is filled with joy," Fr. Wekesa told the outlet. "I'm very, very happy, and so are my brothers. We are very joyful that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, is visiting — not just visiting us Christians, but the people of Algeria, and specifically here in Annaba.”

He said that the election of Pope Leo, the first Augustinian pope, was a moment of celebration for people throughout Annaba. 

“Many brothers and sisters who are Muslims sent us messages of congratulations. Why? Because, as the Holy Father, he is a son of Augustine,” he said. “That resonated.”

After his time in Algeria, Pope Leo’s apostolic journey will continue on through Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.