Amid Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to the African continent, a special moment marked the Brazilian presence in Algeria this Monday (13): missionary Fr. Jean Fernandes Costa was introduced to the Holy Father at the end of a celebration, in a brief but deeply meaningful encounter.
Ordained a priest in 2013 and currently serving in Algeria, he shared with emotion the moment he stood face to face with the Pontiff.
“The Archbishop introduced me to the Pope at the end as the Cathedral’s pastor and a member of the Shalom Community. I told him I was Brazilian and said, in Portuguese, that I belonged to the Shalom Community. He looked at me, smiling, and said ‘SHALOM,’” Fr. Jean recounted, highlighting the Pope’s simple and warm welcome.
A member of the General Council of the Shalom Community, Fr. Jean represents the African continent and its missionaries.
The trip of Pope Leo XIV to Algeria, which began on April 13, is already considered historic. This is the first time a Pope has visited the North African country, a region that in antiquity was a major center of Christianity, with hundreds of dioceses. The visit also recalls the memory of St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the greatest figures of the Christian tradition, who was born in that region. As a member of the Order of St. Augustine, the first in the history of the Catholic Church, the trip also holds special significance for the Pope.
After the encounter, Fr. Jean continued on pilgrimage with members of the Shalom Catholic Community toward the city of Annaba, ancient Hippo, where a Mass was celebrated on Monday (14) at the Basilica of St. Augustine. The group departed early Sunday morning (13), around 2 a.m. local time, facing an approximately eight-hour bus journey.
The celebration also included a missionary from the Shalom Community, who led one of the prayers, highlighting the Community’s active presence in evangelization in African territory.
Shalom in Algeria
In 2026, the presence of the Shalom Community in Algeria marks 20 years, with missions not only in the capital, Algiers, but also in Béjaïa. Under the coordination of missionary Jackson Santos, the Community’s work stands out for welcoming Christian students from sub-Saharan Africa, offering spiritual and social support.
Among the activities carried out are Christian formation, liturgical animation—with Masses celebrated on Fridays due to the local context—choir rehearsals, prayer groups, retreats, as well as integration initiatives such as leisure activities, outings, and even French classes.
Although a minority, the Catholic Church in the region keeps alive a tradition that dates back to the early centuries of Christianity. In this context, the meeting between Fr. Jean and the Holy Father takes on even greater significance: a sign of communion, closeness, and hope for missionaries working in lands marked by challenges, but also by a deep thirst for faith.
