On April 14, Pope Leo visited ancient Hippo during the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Algeria.
Today the city of Annaba, ancient Hippo, is a city of significant historical importance. During the Punic Wars of the 2nd century BC, the city came under Roman control and became part of the province of Africa Proconsularis. It developed into a port city and administrative centre of the Roman Empire.
Once Christianity was legalised by the Edict of Milan in 313, churches were built in the city. After his conversion in 386, Augustine was ordained a priest in the city in 391 and in 393 took part in the Council of Hippo as a young priest. In 395 he became the city’s bishop.
