He says places of worship should promote prayer, understanding, and peaceful coexistence

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Pope Leo XIV has visited the Grand Mosque of Algiers during his apostolic trip to Algeria, marking an important moment in his visit to Africa. The visit focused on dialogue between religions and the role of places of worship in promoting peace.

The Pope was received by the Rector of the mosque, Mohamed Mamoun al Qasim, who welcomed him with messages of friendship and respect. The Pope thanked him for the warm reception and said the mosque represents a sacred space dedicated to prayer and seeking the presence of God.

He described the mosque as a place where people come to worship Allah and reflect spiritually. He said such places should remain open spaces for prayer, peace, and reflection, where people can draw closer to God and strengthen moral values.

Pope Leo also said that seeking God means respecting every human being and recognizing their dignity. He stressed that when people understand this, it helps build peace, reduce conflict, and encourage better relations between different faiths.

He also spoke about the importance of knowledge and learning, saying that religious spaces should help people better understand creation and human dignity. He noted that faith and learning together can guide societies toward peace and justice.

During the visit, the Pope was accompanied by senior Vatican officials, and he toured parts of the mosque complex. He also signed the Book of Honour, where he prayed for peace, freedom, and unity for Algeria and the wider world.

The Grand Mosque of Algiers is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is not only a place of worship but also a centre for learning, research, and community activities, showing the important role of Islam in both spiritual and social life in the country.

Source: Vatican News