Pope Leo to stroll in St. Augustine's footsteps on day two of historic Algeria go to

[ad_1] Pope Leo XIV travelled to the Algerian metropolis of Annaba on Tuesday to stroll within the footsteps of Christian theologian St. Augustine, on day two of a historic journey marred by a spat with US President Donald Trump.

On Monday the American pontiff turned the primary pope ever to go to Algeria, the opening cease on a tour of 4 African nations, though the primary day was nearly overshadowed by harsh criticism from Trump.

The 70-year-old pope's latest exhortations for peace within the Center East, the place the US-Israeli battle on Iran has embroiled a lot of the area, have sparked Trump's anger.

Earlier than Leo's journey, the US president accused him of "toying with a rustic (Iran) that desires a nuclear weapon", and stated he was "not a giant fan" of the pontiff.

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On Monday, Trump doubled down on the criticism following an outcry, saying he had "nothing to apologise for", and that the pope was "incorrect".

Aboard the papal airplane en path to Algiers, Leo advised reporters: "The Gospel says... blessed are the peacemakers."

"I've no worry, neither of the Trump administration, nor talking out loudly concerning the message of the Gospel."

Pope Leo addressed the Algerian Christian group within the Basilica of Our Woman of Africa in Algiers on Monday. © Andrew Medichini, AP In a single day, US Vice President JD Vance urged the Vatican to "stick with issues of morality" amid the escalating row, "and let the President of the USA stick with dictating American public coverage".

Italian and American bishops have expressed their help for the pope, as has Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, recognized to be near Trump, who referred to as the US president's remarks "unacceptable".

'Son' of Augustine The controversy apart, in northeastern Annaba – previously the traditional Roman metropolis of Hippo – Leo will go to vestiges of town's previous, and a reception centre run by Catholic nuns for impoverished aged folks, principally Muslims.

The town was the one-time house of Augustine, whose autobiographical "Confessions" is a seminal work throughout the Christian custom.

Leo may also have a good time Mass on the hilltop Basilica of Saint Augustine within the presence of clergy from throughout Africa.

The pontiff has beforehand referred to himself as a "son" of the saint, and belongs to the Augustinian order.

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His remarks got here amid heightened tensions between Algeria and France, and adopted a gathering days in the past with French President Emmanuel Macron on the Vatican.

The pope additionally urged Algeria's leaders "to not worry" better public participation in political life, calling for a "vibrant, dynamic and free civil society".

Because the pro-democracy Hirak protests in 2019, which referred to as for sweeping reforms and better transparency, human rights teams have reported shrinking freedoms and better controls over public area.