Pope Leo XIV travelled on Tuesday to the Algerian city of Annaba, the one-time home of Christian theologian Saint Augustine, in the first trip ever by a pontiff to the north African country.

US President Donald Trump has feuded with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war -- setting off an unholy row that could have serious political implications for the Republican leader at home.

US President Donald Trump on Monday deleted a social media image apparently depicting him as Jesus after an outcry from religious leaders that he was being blasphemous.

Pope Leo XIV said Monday he had "a moral duty" to speak out against war and didn't "fear" President Donald Trump while the US leader criticised his calls for an end to the conflict in the Middle East.

Pope Leo lashed out against warmongers on Saturday while calling on billions of people around the globe to embrace peace and "believe once again in love, moderation and good politics".

On Algeria's sparkling Mediterranean coast, the city of Annaba is teeming with excitement as the one-time home of Saint Augustine readies for the country's first visit by a Catholic pontiff.

Thousands of Filipinos and tourists flocked to a sun-bleached field north of Manila on Good Friday to witness one of the country's most blood-soaked displays of religious fervour, undeterred by rising fuel prices driven by the Middle East war.

Pope Leo XIV performed the ritual of washing of the feet for the first time on Holy Thursday, marking a return to tradition for the rite which his predecessor Francis used to perform for the homeless, prisoners and other marginalised people.