Pope Leo XIV at Notre-Dame d’Afrique
From Sr Bernadette Djekoye on mission in Algeria “But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (luke 1:43) These words of Elizabeth, expressing both humility and deep joy, resonate with what I experienced when Pope Leo XIV was welcomed to Algeria. It is with great joy that I share with you my experience of this visit to Notre-Dame d’Afrique on 13 April 2026. For several months, preparations had been intensifying, both within the Church and on the part of the Algerian government, whose commitment was admirable. Everything was organised very well. On the morning of 13 April, from a large stadium, extensive transport arrangements and an impressive security operation were put in place to take us to the basilica, situated on the heights of Algiers. This place is highly symbolic: it is both a place of prayer for Christians and…