Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Algeria has deeply impacted the country’s small Christian community. In an interview with Comshalom, Fr. Jean Fernandes, a consecrated member of the Shalom Community and pastor of the Cathedral of Algiers, shares behind-the-scenes insights, emotions, and the spiritual significance of this historic moment in the land of St. Augustine.
According to Fr. Jean, everything began in a surprising and deeply symbolic way. The Pope’s election took place on May 8, the feast of the blessed martyrs of Algeria, a providential sign that deeply touched the local Church.
“The newly created cardinal and Archbishop of Algiers took the opportunity during the greeting after the election to invite the Pope to visit us. He immediately expressed his desire to come on pilgrimage to the land of St. Augustine,” he said.
Since August, the local Church has been working in communion with the Holy See to organize the visit. Due to renovations at the cathedral, the encounter with the faithful took place at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, a site rich in missionary significance.
“This basilica was from where many missionaries departed to evangelize several African countries in the 19th century. Celebrating there carries a very deep spiritual meaning,” he explained.
A sign of hope for a small community
The Pope’s presence in a predominantly Muslim country has had a strong impact not only on Christians but also on Algerians themselves.
“The people are impressed by the importance the Pope gives to this land. The fact that he chose Africa for his first apostolic journey, and precisely here, where the Church is so small and simple, is a great sign of hope,” the priest said.
The Shalom Community was also directly involved in the preparation. One of the most remarkable moments was transforming a conference room in a state-owned hotel into a chapel.
“It is something impressive and even unusual. The government’s permission for Christian worship inside a state hotel shows openness and respect. Jesus will be adored in the midst of Muslims,” he said emotionally.
A missionary testimony
Nearly eight years into his mission in Algeria, Fr. Jean admits he never imagined living such a moment.
“When I said ‘yes’ to the mission, I could not have imagined that one day I would be pastor of the cathedral of the archdiocese and welcome the Pope. I expected him to come to Africa, but not so soon and certainly not starting here.”
For him, the visit is a concrete sign of the Church’s love for a continent often overlooked.
“Africa is extremely rich in culture and diversity. Today, we feel deeply loved and remembered by the Pope and by the whole Church.”
An unforgettable encounter
The highlight of the visit was his personal encounter with the Holy Father. Introduced as Brazilian and a member of the Shalom Community, he experienced a simple but deeply meaningful moment.
“I told him in Portuguese that I was from the Shalom Community… He looked at me, smiled, and replied: ‘Shalom.’”
A small gesture that reflects the closeness of a shepherd who crosses continents to confirm his brothers in the faith and rekindle hope in a Church that, though small, remains alive and fruitful.
