Pope Leo in Algeria Urges Dialogue, ‘Oases of Peace’ To Overcome Strife and Neocolonialism
April 16—From the very first event of his “bridge-building” trip to Africa, which began in Algeria on April 13, Pope Leo XVI conveyed a concept of the qualities of spirit and thought by which a just world can be created generally. He began with a visit to the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument which honors those who died in Algeria’s struggle for independence. “Our presence here at this monument pays tribute to this history of Algeria and to the very spirit of a people who fought for the independence, dignity and sovereignty of this nation,” he said there. “In this place, let us remember that God desires peace for every nation: a peace that is not merely an absence of conflict, but one that is an expression of justice and dignity.”
The Pope opened his address to Algerian government officials, representatives of civil society and the diplomatic corps, with the statement that “we are brothers and sisters, for we have the same Father in heaven…. In a world full of conflicts and misunderstandings, let us meet and strive for mutual understanding, recognizing that we are all one family!” This simple awareness “is the key to opening many doors that are closed,” he declared.
He elaborated: Justice stems from recognizing “the image of God in others.” He praised “the spirit of solidarity, hospitality and community” expressed by millions of humble, upright Algerians. These “are the truly strong ones to whom the future belongs: those who do not allow themselves to be blinded by power or wealth, and those who refuse to sacrifice the dignity of their fellow citizens for the sake of personal or collective gain.” He contrasted that to many societies which call themselves “advanced [which] are plunging ever deeper into inequality and exclusion. Africa knows all too well that people and organizations that dominate others destroy the world, which the Most High has created in order that we might all live together.”
From out of its history, Algeria has “a particularly important perspective on the global balance of power,” he suggested, which may allow it "to contribute to both envisioning and bringing about greater justice among peoples. By respecting the dignity of everyone and allowing yourselves to be moved by the pain of others, instead of multiplying misunderstandings and conflicts, you can surely become protagonists of a new chapter in history. Today, this is more urgent than ever in the face of continuous violations of international law and neocolonial tendencies….
“The true strength of a nation lies in the cooperation of everyone in pursuing the common good. Authorities are called not to dominate, but to serve the people and foster their development,” he continued. He offered that “the Catholic Church, too … wishes to contribute to the common good of Algeria, strengthening its distinctive identity as a bridge between North and South, and between East and West.”
Pope Leo reminded that the great expanses of the Mediterranean and the Sahara “represent geographical and spiritual crossroads of immense significance,” in whose history “we discover immense treasures of humanity…. For the sea and the desert have been places of mutual enrichment among peoples and cultures for millennia. Woe to us if we turn them into graveyards where hope also dies! … Let us multiply oases of peace,” he declared. “Let us, then, unite our strength, spiritual energy, intelligence resources, so that the land and the sea may become places of life, encounter and wonder.”
Do not be disheartened by the “absurd polarizations” we see around us in society. “We are living in an extraordinary time of great renewal, in those who keep their hearts free, and their consciences alert, can draw from the great spiritual and religious traditions new ways of seeing the world and an unshakable purpose in life…. We must work together toward the healing of memory and reconciliation among former adversaries.”