His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: ‘God’s heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice, lies’
(@Vatican Media)
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV visits a care home for the elderly in Annaba, Algeria, and recalls that God’s heart remains with those who are humble and seek peace in their daily lives.
By Devin Watkins
On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Algeria, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV flew to Annaba—the site of the ancient city of Hippo, where St. Augustine served as Bishop.
After visiting the archeaological site, the Pope spent a few minutes with several elderly people residing at the Ma Maison Care Home for the Elderly, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor.
In his brief address, he told residents that “God dwells here,” noting that “wherever there is love and service, God is there.”
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV especially thanked Salah Bouchemel for his words of greeting, in which the elderly Algerian Muslim resident of the facility upheld the respect for one another and their religion he has enjoyed at the care home.
In response, the Pope said God would surely recognize the hope that lives in a place where people strive to live together in fraternity.
“God’s heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice, and lies,” he said. “But our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud.”
Rather, said Pope Leo, God dwells with those who build up His Kingdom in service.
“God’s heart is with the little ones and the humble,” he said, “and with them He builds up His Kingdom of love and peace day by day, just as you are striving to do here in your daily service, friendship, and life together.”
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was also greeted by Archbishop Paul Desfarges, SJ, who served as Bishop of Constantine-Hippone between 2008 and 2021 and who now resides with the Little Sisters of the Poor.
The Archbishop said the sisters and the care home’s staff perform daily miracles with their care and attention, in actions as simple as a warm handshake that brings people closer together.
The Pope thanked Archbishop Desfarges for his welcome, and praised his witness in living side-by-side with the elderly residents…
This report was originally published on the Website of Vatican News. Please click here to read the full text.