In a powerful and symbolic moment of interfaith respect, Pope Leo XIV removed his shoes and walked barefoot through the Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa el Djazaïr) during his historic visit to Algeria on April 13, 2026.
This was the first-ever visit by a Pope to Algeria. The Great Mosque of Algiers is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity to hold up to 120,000 worshippers. It features the world’s tallest minaret at nearly 265 metres.
Following Islamic tradition, the Pope humbly took off his shoes before entering the main prayer hall. He walked alongside the mosque’s rector, Mohamed Mamoun Al Qasimi, and stood in silent meditation for more than 30 seconds facing the qibla (the direction of Mecca). The Pope later described the mosque as a sacred space for prayer, dialogue, and the search for God.
This simple yet meaningful gesture has been widely praised as a strong sign of mutual respect between Christians and Muslims. It sends a clear message of tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence between the two faiths at a time when the world needs bridges of understanding.
During his short address inside the mosque, Pope Leo XIV emphasised the importance of dialogue and working together for peace. He highlighted that seeking God means recognising the image of God in every human being, regardless of religion.
The visit forms part of the Pope’s first apostolic journey to Africa. It has been welcomed by Algerian authorities and Muslim leaders as a positive step towards better Christian-Muslim relations
