ALGERIA: Pope and Bishop meet in the Land of Augustine

Bishop Ashley Null at Annaba--photo Vatican News

www.jmeca.org.uk

April 21, 2026

Pope Leo XIV and the Anglican Bishop of North Africa, Dr Ashley Null, have something important in common, namely a great affection for, and sense of a bond with St Augustine. The Pope, because he belongs to the Augustinian Order; Dr Null, because his sphere of academic expertise is Reformation Theology, which owes much to St Augustine. His writings deeply impacted the development of the formularies of the independent English church under King Edward and Queen Elizabeth. (Both Dr Null and Luther were attracted by a characteristic North African Christian theological tradition that centres on the ideas of grace and gratitude).

So it was appropriate that the two should meet in Algeria where Augustine was born and where, at what once was called Hippo, he was himself a Bishop.

Algeria was the first stop on Pope Leo’s African trip and though much of the press coverage has centered on the Pope’s words about peace and tyrants, this was also an important moment for the Christian Church in this Muslim country. At the Basilica of our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Bishop Null had a place of honour in the sanctuary where he was presented to the Pope as the representative of non-Roman Christian Churches. Later he went to Hippo (modern day Annaba).

He writes: "In Annaba, I was given a massive seat on the first row of the congregation with no one else beside me in the row. Behind me was a French imperial princess and her young son. I was asked to wear my non-eucharistic episcopal robes, so I did, as you can tell from the picture!” He added, “the Anglican Church was shown much honor and respect during the Pope's visit.”

The Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Algiers, Rev’d Craig Watson was present at the Basilica in Algiers and was honoured by being invited to sit inside the building. The majority of the crowd were outside (having to brave appalling weather)! He has also reflected on the experience. He writes:

“The Pope’s visit to Algeria was historic.. The government showed vision and extended a warm welcome to him as he walked in the footsteps of Saint Augustine. Algerian Christians were delighted that he came to their land for the first time and they hope that this may be a significant moment in the attitude towards the Christian community here in Algeria.

"Adel Kader, the Father of the Algerian Nation, was imprisoned and then sent into exile in Syria after his surrender to the French. During his time in exile in Damascus, he defended the Christian community and the Jewish community from those in the wider community who wanted to cause them harm and suppress them, during a time of unrest in that land. Today the Christian community in Algeria continues to be grateful for Kader's founding vision of Christians having a full place in Algerian society.

"The Pope reflected on the importance of unity, love and prayer as key tenets of the Christian life and encouraged all those who call themselves Christ's followers to embrace this way of life. Cardinal Vesco, on behalf of the Catholic Church in Algeria, reaffirmed the ecumenical strength that exists in Algeria and the loving partnership that exists between the various Christian denominations, and welcomed the Pope wholeheartedly on behalf of all Christian churches in the land.

"The desire of the Christian church to contribute positively to the development of the nation of Algeria was evident in the welcome that the Pope received from all the Christian churches and the Algerian authorities. Going forward Christians are eager to work with the Algerian Government to build on this excellent event to further develop the vision of Adel Kader in practical ways to support Christian ministry, as well as mutual understanding and partnership with Muslims.The wisdom and courage shown by the Algerian government in inviting the Pope and organising an excellent visit is to be commended and we look forward to the positive things that will develop as a result.”

Bishop Ashley spoke to Vatican News before the Papal Mass at Annaba. He said, “I think the truth is, the only thing more beautiful than the landscape and the seascape of Algeria is the beauty of the hearts of the people”. He admired how the Algerian people “opened their arms and their hearts” to embrace Pope Leo, “to make him feel welcome”, and “to honor his mission of peace”.