Pope Visits Birthplace of Saint Augustine, Pays Tribute to Anti-War Theologian
Amid a clash with US President Trump over anti-war stances, Pope Leo XIV visited Annaba, Algeria—the birthplace of Saint Augustine. He paid tribute to the theologian who defined the 'Just War' theory, reinforcing his criticism of the US strikes on Iran.
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- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 23:25
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Central News
(Central News Agency, Annaba, Algeria, 14th) Pope Leo XIV, who recently exchanged criticism with US President Donald Trump over his anti-war stance, visited the birthplace of Saint Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, North Africa today. He paid tribute to his faith's roots and the Catholic theologian who once defined the justice of war.
According to Reuters, Leo XIV, currently on a 10-day tour of Africa, arrived in Annaba on the northeastern coast of Algeria. This city, formerly known as Hippo, is the birthplace of Saint Augustine, also known as Augustine of Hippo.
Augustine, who passed away in 430 AD, was a key figure in the early Catholic Church and the first to propose criteria for evaluating whether a war is just.
Augustine argued that war should only be waged to defend against aggression or protect the innocent, with the ultimate goal of restoring peace; thus, it must never be fought out of a desire for brutality.
These criteria proposed by Augustine, updated over the centuries, remain part of Catholic doctrine today. Some critics of the sudden US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28 have cited Augustine's theories to condemn the war as unjust.
Leo XIV is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine and was inspired to become a priest by Augustine. While paying tribute today, he emphasized his special connection with the saint.
As the first American Pope, Leo XIV drew Trump's ire due to his harsh criticism of the Iran war. He told Reuters yesterday that he intends to continue criticizing the war despite Trump's attacks.
Leo XIV did not deliver a speech while visiting the ruins of Hippo. Instead, under light rain, he laid a wreath of yellow and white roses and helped several members of the Algerian Muslim Scout, wearing khaki uniforms, plant a sapling.
However, later during a gathering with residents at a nearby nursing home run by Catholic nuns, he said: "God's heart is torn apart by war, violence, injustice, and lies... Our Heavenly Father's heart is not with the vicious, the arrogant, or the proud." (Compiled by: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150414
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(Central News Agency, Annaba, Algeria, 14th) Pope Leo XIV, who recently exchanged criticism with US President Donald Trump over his anti-war stance, visited the birthplace of Saint Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, North Africa today. He paid tribute to his faith's roots and the Catholic theologian who once defined the justice of war.
According to Reuters, Leo XIV, currently on a 10-day tour of Africa, arrived in Annaba on the northeastern coast of Algeria. This city, formerly known as Hippo, is the birthplace of Saint Augustine, also known as Augustine of Hippo.
Augustine, who passed away in 430 AD, was a key figure in the early Catholic Church and the first to propose criteria for evaluating whether a war is just.
Augustine argued that war should only be waged to defend against aggression or protect the innocent, with the ultimate goal of restoring peace; thus, it must never be fought out of a desire for brutality.
These criteria proposed by Augustine, updated over the centuries, remain part of Catholic doctrine today. Some critics of the sudden US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28 have cited Augustine's theories to condemn the war as unjust.
Leo XIV is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine and was inspired to become a priest by Augustine. While paying tribute today, he emphasized his special connection with the saint.
As the first American Pope, Leo XIV drew Trump's ire due to his harsh criticism of the Iran war. He told Reuters yesterday that he intends to continue criticizing the war despite Trump's attacks.
Leo XIV did not deliver a speech while visiting the ruins of Hippo. Instead, under light rain, he laid a wreath of yellow and white roses and helped several members of the Algerian Muslim Scout, wearing khaki uniforms, plant a sapling.
However, later during a gathering with residents at a nearby nursing home run by Catholic nuns, he said: "God's heart is torn apart by war, violence, injustice, and lies... Our Heavenly Father's heart is not with the vicious, the arrogant, or the proud." (Compiled by: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150414
Choosing to stand with the facts, every bit of your sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.