Bombay Durpun - Pope to walk in Augustine's footsteps on day two of Algeria visit

The American pontiff on Monday became the first pope ever to visit Algeria, the first stop on a tour of four African nations, although the opening day of his trip was almost overshadowed by harsh criticism from US President Donald Trump.

In northeastern Annaba -- formerly the ancient Roman city of Hippo -- Leo will visit vestiges of the city's historical past, as well as a reception centre run by Catholic nuns for impoverished elderly people.

The city was the one-time home of Augustine, whose autobiographical "Confessions" is a seminal work within the Christian tradition.

In the afternoon, Leo will celebrate Mass at the hilltop Basilica of Saint Augustine in the presence of clergy from across Africa.

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

- Forgiveness -

In his first speech in Algiers, Leo paid tribute to victims of the country's 1954-1962 war of independence from France and called for "forgiveness".

His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Algeria and France, and followed a meeting days ago with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Vatican.

The pope also called on Algeria's leaders "not to fear" greater public participation in political life, calling for a "vibrant, dynamic and free civil society".

Since the pro-democracy Hirak protests in 2019, which called for sweeping reforms and greater transparency, human rights groups have reported shrinking freedoms and greater controls over public space.

"Authorities are called not to dominate, but to serve the people and foster their development," Leo said.

- 'No fear' of Trump -

His recent exhortations for peace in the Middle East, where the US-Israeli war on Iran has embroiled much of the region, have drawn the ire of Trump.

Prior to the pope's trip, the US president accused Leo of "toying with a country (Iran) that wants a nuclear weapon", adding that he was "not a big fan" of the pontiff.

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

Aboard the papal plane on Monday, Leo told reporters: "The Gospel says... blessed are the peacemakers."

"I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel," he added.

The pope is slated to leave Algeria on Wednesday for Cameroon, before travelling on to Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

H.Majumdar--BD