Read the statement by Pope Leo XIV, who responded to journalists’ questions upon his return from Lebanon.
After his tour of Turkey and Lebanon on 2 December 2025, Pope Leo XIV responded to questions from journalists. Among others, French journalist Mickaël Corre from the daily news outlet La Croix asked him the following question:
“You spoke about building bridges between different worlds, and I want to ask: some Catholics in Europe believe Islam is a threat to the Christian identity of the West. Are they right? What would you say to them?”
Because at the Intercultural Dialogue Association we build bridges and actively engage in interfaith dialogue, we warmly welcome the response of Pope Leo XIV. He offered the journalist very encouraging and inspiring reflections, which we publish in full below:
“All the dialogues I had during my visits to both Turkey and Lebanon, including with many Muslims, focused precisely on peace and respect for people of other religions. I know this has not always been the case historically. I know that in Europe, in many cases, fears are stirred up—often by people who oppose migration and try to exclude those who may come from another country, another religion, another ethnicity.
I must say: we all need to walk together. One of the values of this visit is precisely raising awareness in the world that dialogue and friendship between Muslims and Christians are possible. I believe Lebanon can teach the world something important: showing a land where Islam and Christianity are both present, respected, and where coexistence and friendship are possible.
We also heard stories in these past two days: Christians and Muslims whose villages were destroyed saying they could unite and work together. These lessons are important for Europe and North America as well. We should be less fearful, and look for ways to strengthen true dialogue and respect.”
Below, you can also watch the Pope’s statement in a video.
