Pope Leo XIV cites Türkiye and Lebanon as models to counter Europe's Islamophobia

Pope Leo XIV has directly linked the rise of Islamophobic sentiment in Europe to political actors who promote the exclusion of migrants and religious minorities. Speaking to journalists on his return flight to Rome after a significant visit to Türkiye and Lebanon, the pontiff argued for a reduction in fear and a greater pursuit of genuine interfaith dialogue, using his observations from the trip as a foundation for his comments. The newly elected American pope's choice of destinations for his inaugural international journey was seen as a highly symbolic gesture emphasizing interfaith engagement and the historical Christian roots in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Highlighting Lebanon as a Beacon of Coexistence

The Pope specifically highlighted Lebanon as a practical example for Europe and North America. He recounted testimonies from his visit of Muslims and Christians assisting one another, even in destroyed villages. "I think one of the great lessons Lebanon can teach the world is that it is a country where both Islam and Christianity exist and are respected, where coexistence and friendship are possible," Pope Leo stated. This model stands in contrast to what he described as fears in Europe that are "often fueled by those who oppose migration and who try to exclude people".

A Diplomatic Tour with Broader Geopolitical Messages

The press conference also covered wider international conflicts, underscoring the diplomatic nature of the Pope's tour. He confirmed having opened limited communications with U.S. and Israeli leaders regarding the situation in Lebanon and expressed a belief in sustainable peace. On the war in Ukraine, he stressed the importance of Europe's role in peace efforts and suggested Italy could act as a mediator, with Vatican support. The trip's agenda reinforced Türkiye's strategic position, with the Pope encouraging the nation to be a "source of stability and rapprochement between peoples".

Context of Rising Intolerance in Europe

The Pope's critique comes amid documented increases in Islamophobia across Europe, which manifests through discrimination, stigmatizing political rhetoric, and attacks on individuals and mosques. Analysts note that such sentiment is frequently exacerbated by populist politics and a "securitization" of religion, where Islam is disproportionately associated with terrorism. By choosing Türkiye and Lebanon for his first trip, Pope Leo XIV sent a clear signal advocating for a moral and diplomatic pushback against policies that undermine coexistence.