Algeria–Holy See relations
Although Islam is the state religion of Algeria, the Holy See has maintained a comparatively good relationship with the Algerian authorities, with Léon-Étienne Duval being famously recognized as the "bishop of Muslims" after the departure of French colonists.
History of Algeria
Since 4000 BC, the indigenous peoples of northern Africa successfully resisted Phoenician, Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, Turkish, and French invaders but accepted Islam between the 7th to 9th century, and Arabic is now the language spoken by a majority in the country.