Ugandans attend Pope Leo's holy mass in Algiers

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A delegation of clergy and Christians from Masaka Diocese travelled to Algeria to attend the Catholic Church Pope Leo XIV's tour of several major religious sites in Algeria.

On Tuesday, the delegation led by Rev. Fr Alex Kiyimba, the assistant to Bishop Severus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese, the parish priest of Luvule, Fr Joseph.

Uganda catholic clergy in Algeria. Some of the clergy from Masaka Diocese, Rev. Fr Alex Kiyimba, Fr Joseph Kamoga and Fr Mary Vienny Tamale of Masaka Diocese, who attended the papal holy mass at Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers. (Courtesy)

Kamoga, Narozali parish priest Fr Mary Vienny Tamale attended holy mass at St Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers.

Also in the congregation were over 300 Ugandans attending University in Algeria. The group donned white and yellow traditional wear (Kanzu and Gomes), adding flair to the events.

Ugandan catholic delegation in Algeria. (Courtesy)

The two-day first tour of the Pope on April 13 and 15 attracted both the Islamic dignitaries and the catholic faithful.

The Papal first apostolic visit in Africa will continue to Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.

Alintuma Nsambu, Uganda's Ambassador in Algeria and West Africa, told the New Vision that during a reception hosted by the Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, at the President's palace in Algiers on April 13, the Pontiff interacted with several diplomats who included Ugandans.

Pope Leo later visited a monument for the Christians who perished at sea at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers. He also interacted with the Augustinian Missionary Sisters centre for hospitality and friendship near Algiers, and later the historic archaeological site of Hippo in modern-day Annaba, Algiers, on April 14. 

The Pope also visited the world's largest mosques in Algiers to promote interreligious dialogue, where he called for peace in the war and conflict-affected nations in Africa and the globe.