Algeria: “The pope’s visit has revived a genuine hope”

Bishop Diego Sarrió Cucarella of the Diocese of Laghouat-Ghardaïa hopes the recent visit by the Pope to Algeria will help resolve administrative obstacles that prevent religious figures from moving to the country.

The bishop noted that while many women are willing to serve, bureaucratic issues currently hinder their arrival. This is particularly relevant for the restored house of the Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Charles Foucauld in Tamanrasset. Although the building was rebuilt with support from Aid to the Church in Need, it currently houses only one religious sister.

The house in the Sahara remains ready for religious or laywomen who wish to establish a presence in the desert to foster communion and service. This mission follows the tradition of St. Charles de Foucauld, who lived in Tamanrasset to witness to the Berbers and build relations with the local Muslim population.