Pope Leo made a pilgrimage on Tuesday to Annaba in northeastern Algeria, the ancient location tied to St. Augustine of Hippo, whose writings helped shape the spiritual path that led the pontiff to the priesthood. The visit formed part of the pope's 10-day tour of four African countries.
Arriving at the archaeological remains of Hippo amid light rain, the pope laid a wreath of yellow and white roses and joined several Algerian Muslim Scouts, wearing tan uniforms, in planting a young tree. He did not make public remarks while at the ruins.
St. Augustine, who died in the year 430, is remembered in Catholic teaching for articulating criteria under which wars might be considered just - chiefly that force may be used to repel aggression or to protect innocents, with the aim of restoring peace and not from a desire for cruelty. These principles, later updated, remain part of Catholic doctrine.
The pope's public association with Augustine took on immediate political resonance because he has sharply criticized the war that began after surprise U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran on February 28. That criticism has prompted a public rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite that, the pope told Reuters on Monday that he planned to continue speaking out against the conflict.
At a later meeting on Tuesday at a nearby nursing home operated by Catholic sisters, Pope Leo — who belongs to the Augustinian religious order — addressed residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor facility. He said, "God's heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice and lies," and added, "Our Father's heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant or the proud."
The pope’s emphasis on Augustine underscores both a personal spiritual connection and a broader moral framework that some critics have cited in judging the recent war. Washington Cardinal Robert McElroy is among those who have described the conflict as "morally illegitimate," explicitly invoking Augustine's principles.
The visit combined symbolic gestures at the ancient site with pastoral outreach at the nursing home, reflecting an approach that links historical theological thought with commentary on contemporary conflict. The pope's actions and remarks during the trip have kept the focus on moral criteria for warfare articulated by Augustine and their contemporary application.
Contextual note: The information in this report is limited to statements and events as presented during the pope's visit and comments made regarding the conflict.