Interfaith dialogue: 'The messenger of peace in the name of Pope Leo XIV is coming to visit us'

From the show

As Pope Leo XIV makes a historic visit to Algeria, in the spirit of interfaith dialogue, François Picard is pleased to welcome Father Fred Wekesa, Rector of the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba. From his experience of living over a decade in Algeria, he challenges inherited narratives shaped by the violence of the 1990s, highlighting the present reality of coexistence and tolerance. He argues that interreligious dialogue must extend beyond institutions into families and daily life.

Ultimately, he says, dialogue is the most authentic and effective path toward peace, both within societies and in global politics. He is encouraged by Pope Leo's visit to their small, tight-knit community. All the while, he questions the US president's reasoning for lashing out at the Pontiff's message of peace and dialogue, including a very pointed call to end all wars: "violence cannot resolve anything." Father Wekesa believes that perhaps the US leader "does not understand the agenda of peace.”