Pope Leo XIV denounces the political exploitation of fears linked to Islam

Returning from Lebanon, Pope Leo Speaking to journalists on board the Beirut-Rome flight, he recalled that coexistence between religions is not only possible, but already experienced on a daily basis in Lebanon. The pontiff called on Western societies to “be a little less fearful” and to promote a real dialogue between Christians and Muslims, citing the numerous testimonies of solidarity observed during his trip to Türkiye and Lebanon.

Asked about the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, Leo He also spoke about political tensions in Venezuela, pleading for the path of dialogue rather than military intervention. Finally, the pope brushed aside fears of a schism with the Church of Germany, emphasizing the importance of synodality and respect for cultural differences in the life of the universal Church.

By pointing out the “political” nature of certain fears regarding Islam, Leo XIV takes a courageous line that breaks with the dominant identity discourses in Europe and North America. The Pope recalls that the religious question is too often used to fuel collective anxiety around immigration, diverting attention from real social and economic issues. His plea for coexistence inspired by the Lebanese model appears to go against the grain of a climate where identity tensions are intensifying. This position, by promoting real dialogue rather than security fantasies, constitutes a strong message for Western societies prey to polarization and the rise of xenophobic discourse.