Beatification of 19 Catholic religious in Oran

The beatification of the 19 Catholic monks was held at the chapel of Santa Cruz in Oran on December 08, 2018, the first event of its kind in the land of Islam. Nearly 1400 people including hundreds of Christians from abroad but also Imams and citizens were present.

The Vatican was represented by Cardinal Becciu, special envoy of the Pope.

At the end of the ceremony, Mr. Mohamed Aïssa Minister of Religious Affairs and Waqfs stressed that "Algeria by hosting this religious event proves by its civilizational and universal dimensions that it is open to others, immune and not fear nothing for his Islam". He added that "this is a message to the world that Algeria is a country of pluralism and openness that exports its experience of peace, of living together and of preventing extremism".

For his part, Pope Francis, in a message to the Algerians stressed that "this event draws a great sign of brotherhood to the world."