Pope honors Algeria's priests, monks, nuns 'martyred' in civil war

ALGIERS, Algeria - Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to the priests, monks and nuns killed in Algeria's 1992-2002 civil war during a landmark visit to the country on Monday, the first for any pontiff.

During the civil war, a total of 19 priests and members of religious orders were murdered, including seven monks kidnapped and killed in 1996 in an incident still shrouded in mystery.

"I am particularly reminded of the 19 men and women religious who were martyred in Algeria, choosing to stand alongside this people in its joys and sorrows," Leo told congregants at the Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers.

"Their blood is a living seed that never ceases to bear fruit."

The pope also hailed the Christian community's "deep roots" in Algeria.

"You are the heirs of a host of witnesses who gave their lives, motivated by love for God and neighbour," he said.

Leo visited the Great Mosque of Algiers -- home to the world's highest minaret -- before heading to Our Lady of Africa, overlooking the Bay of Algiers.

The two-day visit to the North African country is infused with personal significance for the pope, as Algeria was the home of Saint Augustine (354-430), whose spiritual legacy permeates Leo's pontificate.

The influential Christian theologian laid the foundations for the 13th-century Augustinian order to which Leo belongs, one based on communal living and service.

On Tuesday, Leo is set to visit the northeastern city of Annaba -- formerly the ancient Roman city of Hippo -- the one-time home of the saint whose autobiographical "Confessions" is a seminal work within the Christian tradition. —  Agence France-Presse