Pope Leo XIV downplayed concerns about the rise of Islam in Europe, telling reporters that such fears are largely driven by people who are “against immigration.”
The 70-year-old pontiff spoke to journalists on the plane after completing a trip to Turkey and Lebanon, his first journey outside Italy since becoming head of the Catholic Church in May. There, Leo said that negative views toward Islam are “oftentimes generated by people who are against immigration and trying to keep out people who may be from another country, another religion, another race.”
“I would say that we all need to work together,” he said.
He pointed to his time in Lebanon as an example, saying the visit showed “that dialogue and friendship between Muslims and Christians is possible.” He added that he heard multiple stories of Christians and Muslims helping one another, which he described as “lessons… that we should perhaps be a little less fearful.”
His use of Lebanon as a model comes even though the country endured a multiyear civil war at the end of the 20th century, where Christian and Muslim factions fought each other. Lebanon continues to experience religious tension, with its political system divided among religious communities, a structure that has led to gridlock and ongoing disputes.
Leo’s remarks appear consistent with his ongoing criticism of anti-mass immigration sentiment in Western countries, particularly in the United States under President Trump. He has repeatedly condemned what he calls “inhuman treatment” of migrants and has urged Catholics to avoid an “exclusionary mindset.” He has also argued that it is hypocritical to support strict immigration enforcement policies while calling oneself “pro-life.”
“I urge Heads of State and the leaders of nations to listen to the cry of the poorest. There can be no peace without justice. The poor remind us of this in many ways, through migration as well as through their cries, which are often stifled by the myth of well-being and progress, which does not take everyone into account,” he posted last month on X.
