The pontiff stopped at a care home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor.
ANNABA, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday said that “God’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud” as he visited the Ma Maison care home for the elderly in Annaba during his apostolic journey to Algeria.
After leaving the archaeological site of Hippo, the pope traveled to the home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, where he visited residents and greeted those gathered there.
“I am pleased to make this visit because God dwells here,” Leo said. “Indeed, wherever there is love and service, God is there.”
The pope thanked the Little Sisters of the Poor, the home’s staff, Mother Philomena, and Archbishop Emeritus Paul Desfarges of Algiers.
“Having listened to you, and seeing your presence here amongst our elderly brothers and sisters, it is natural to praise God and give thanks to him,” the pope said to Desfarges. “Just as Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.’”
Leo also thanked Salah Bouchemel, an elderly Algerian Muslim, for what he called a “beautiful and comforting” testimony.
“I think that the Lord, looking down from heaven upon a house like this, where people strive to live together in fraternity, would say, ‘There is hope!’” the pope said.
“Yes, because God’s heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice, and lies. But our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant or the proud. God’s heart is with the little ones, with the humble, 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, in your friendship and life together.”
The pope concluded by thanking those present for the gathering.
“I will keep you in my prayers and I gladly impart my blessing,” he said.
Later Tuesday afternoon, Leo was scheduled to conclude his visit to Hippo by celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine before returning to Algiers.
Follow the Live Updates of Pope Leo’s Trip in Africa available at EWTN News.
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
