Algeria hit by suicide attack during Pope’s first historic visit

Suicide bombers have detonated explosives in Algeria during a visit by Pope Pope Leo XIV.

The terrorist attack occurred near a central police station in the city of Blida, located a few dozen kilometres from the capital, injuring at least one police officer, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The bombers detonated their explosive belts before reaching the police station.

A duty officer reportedly spotted them, prompting the attackers to detonate prematurely.

French diplomatic sources cited by Le Monde suggested the attack was linked to the Pope’s visit.

“The terrorists wanted to punish Algeria for hosting the leader of the infidels. This is also a message to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who dared to receive the Pope on Islamic soil,” an unnamed source said.

French media also reported that Algerian authorities initially withheld information about the incident, and that members of the Pope’s entourage were informed with significant delay.

The Vatican has not commented on the attack.

The incident did not affect the Pope’s schedule. During a sermon, he urged Algerian authorities to promote a “living, dynamic and free civil society,” defended migrant rights, and referenced Algeria’s “Black Decade” civil war.

Pope Leo XIV is the first pontiff to visit Algeria.

His Africa tour will continue until April 23, covering Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov