ALGERI, ARCHDIOCESE of. - Capital city of Algeria, situated on the Mediterranean coast of Africa, on the site of ancient Icosium. Occupied by the French in 1830, it has since developed considerably. In 1936 it had 264,232 inhabitants, of whom 182,503 were Europeans. The ecclesiastical hierarchy was re-established by Gregory XVI, who in 1838 erected there a bishopric, suffragan to Aix-en-Provence. Its first holder was Msgr Dupuch (1838–45). Under the administration of his successor, Msgr Pavy (1845–66), A. was raised to an ecclesiastical metropolis by Pius IX (25 July 1866), with two suffragan sees: Constantine and Oran, created at the same time. The see of A. was distinguished principally by the work of Cardinal Lavigerie (1867–92) (v.).
The archdiocese comprises 152 parishes, 134 diocesan priests, and 161 regular clergy.