Pope Leo XIV Algiers Speech: "Hands Off Africa"

Published: 17 April 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

In a powerful start to his 11-day apostolic journey across the continent, Pope Leo XIV used his opening address in Algiers today to deliver a blistering condemnation of the “economic and political exploitation” of Africa. Speaking before a packed assembly of African leaders, diplomats, and youth activists, the 70-year-old pontiff—the first American-born Pope—called for an immediate end to the “insatiable greed” of foreign powers and multinational corporations. His message, centered on the theme of “Sovereign Dignity,” has already sent shockwaves through the international community, particularly as it comes amidst a global energy scramble fueled by the ongoing Iran war.

The Pope’s address, delivered in a mixture of French and Arabic, did not shy away from naming the “scourges” that he believes are strangling the continent’s potential. “Hands off Africa!” the Pope proclaimed to thunderous applause. “Stop choking Africa: it is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered. May Africa be the protagonist of its own destiny.” The pontiff’s words were specifically directed at what he termed “new colonialism”—the practice of foreign entities securing vast tracts of land and mineral rights in exchange for infrastructure loans that often lead to crippling national debt.

This visit marks a significant shift in the Vatican’s diplomatic tone. While previous pontiffs often focused on internal church matters or general humanitarian aid, Pope Leo XIV has increasingly positioned himself as a vocal critic of the global financial system. During today’s speech, he highlighted the “terrible irony” of a continent so rich in lithium, cobalt, and natural gas being home to some of the world’s most impoverished populations. “The blood of the African people is being traded for the batteries of the wealthy,” he noted, a direct reference to the aggressive mining practices currently dominating the Sub-Saharan region.

The Pope also addressed the environmental degradation caused by foreign-owned industrial projects, linking the “cry of the earth” to the “cry of the poor.” He urged African nations to resist the “toxic temptation” of short-term profits offered by unregulated foreign investment, advocating instead for a model of “integral development” that respects local traditions and protects the environment for future generations. His comments come at a delicate time for host nation Algeria, which has recently signed major gas-supply agreements with European nations seeking to diversify away from Middle Eastern and Russian energy sources.

As the Pope prepares to travel to Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo later this week, his “Algiers Manifesto” has set a defiant tone for the rest of his tour. While critics in Washington and Brussels have suggested the Pope is “overstepping into geopolitics,” the reaction on the ground in Africa has been overwhelmingly positive. For many, Leo XIV’s willingness to “lash out” at the powerful in defense of the vulnerable has solidified his reputation as a “Pope of the Peripheries.” In a continent where 40% of the population is under the age of 15, his call for an end to exploitation is being seen not just as a religious message, but as a blueprint for a more equitable 21st century.

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