From April 13 to April 15, 2026, Pope Leo XIV undertook a historic interfaith visit to Algeria. The visit was of major importance for the Church’s relations with Islam, given Algeria’s status as an Islamic State, and underscored interreligious harmony and peace. The first-ever visit of a Pope to Algeria. But for the Dr. Ghoulem Berrah Foundation, the event took on an exceptional character because Algeria is the birthplace of our founder and my beloved Husband, Ambassador Ghoulem Berrah, a Muslim, 9-time hajj, married to me, a devout Catholic. He worked hard all his life for interreligious harmony and peace among the Abrahamic Faiths, between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Participating in this historic event was paramount to me. Pope Leo, a love story with the Algerians A few minutes after being elected Pope on May 8, 2025, in his first address to the world, at the very moment he spoke the words: “I am the son of Saint Augustine of Hippo,” the American Pope connected immediately with the Algerian people. Hippo is the ancient name for the city of Annaba, Algeria. Saint Augustine, a Doctor of the Church from the 5th century who had a profound influence on the Church, was born in Algeria and served as Bishop of Hippo for many years. This was two centuries before Islam. Since high school, Pope Leo has attended Saint Augustine Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and later became an Augustinian Priest. He led the worldwide Augustinian Order. For the Algerian people, Pope Leo, being a disciple of Saint Augustine, makes him part of them, their brother. Regardless of their Islamic faith, their love story began with Pope Leo. The entire visit to Algeria was filled with joy and emotion, marked by genuine communion with the people, who were very happy and proud of those moments. I was elated to share them with my Algerian family. The visit to Algiers Grand Mosque This was the place where religions embraced each other. After welcoming Pope Leo XIV to the great Mosque, a magnificent compound, Imam Al-Qasim invited him to visit the place of worship. They stood side by side in silent reflection. A memorable moment. The Mass at Saint Augustine Basilica in Annaba For almost half a century, whenever we visited family on my Husband’s side in Annaba, I would attend Mass every Sunday at the splendid Saint Augustine Basilica on the heights of Hippo, and my husband would accompany me. Because it’s an Islamic country, only a handful of people attended, mostly visitors and Augustinian pilgrims, since Saint Augustine’s relics are buried inside the basilica. I could never have envisioned that one day a Pope would come to celebrate Mass in that precious place. The miracle occurred with Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian Pope, during his pilgrimage to Saint Augustine after his election. It was, without a doubt, the heart of his trip. I was blessed to take part in such a beautiful celebration. Seated in the first two rows, I could see how overjoyed Pope Leo was. I carried many, many people in my prayers. It was one of the most memorable events, and the moments of intense communion with Pope Leo are unforgettable. |