Pope says Christian–Muslim communion unfolds under protection of Theotokos

Pope Leo XIV and Mohamed Mamoun Al-Kacimi in Algeria. Photo: Djamaa El Djazair

On April 13, 2026, during his apostolic visit to Algeria, Pope Leo XIV published a message on X in which he called for “communion between Christians and Muslims” and presented it as a sign of unity in a world divided by conflict.

“Communion between Christians and Muslims takes shape under the mantle of Our Lady of Africa,” Pope Leo wrote. “Here in Algeria, the maternal love of Lalla Meryem gathers everyone as children, within our rich diversity, in our shared aspiration for dignity, love, justice, and peace.”

In his message, the head of the Roman Catholic Church used both the Catholic title “Our Lady of Africa” and the Islamic-Berber name “Lalla Meryem” (“Lady Mary”). Through this gesture, the pontiff sought to underscore what he presented as the compatibility of the two religions.

The visit to Algeria was the first trip by the head of the Roman Catholic Church to that country in history. The pontiff described living together in unity and peace as a “convincing sign” for contemporary society.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that an imam had been invited to a Roman Catholic church in Italy to preach about Islam.

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