Speaking on board the papal plane from Algeria to Cameroon, Leo pointed to his visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers, the largest in Africa, and to the birthplace of Saint Augustine of Hippo, a hugely influential Christian figure who inspired him to become a priest. CNN reported.
The mosque visit showed that while “we have different beliefs, we have different ways of worshipping, we have different ways of living, we can live together in peace,” the pontiff said.
He added: “I think that to promote that kind of image is something which the world needs to hear today.”
Leo began his Africa trip in Algeria, a Muslim-majority country, after criticizing the US military operation in Iran. The pope’s increasing criticism has underlined his stance as a counterweight to the Trump administration.
Leo’s willingness to call out the US president on the world stage marks a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and the Vatican. Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, have issued a series of sharp statements this week aimed at the head of the Catholic Church, who declared he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and shows no sign of backing down.
