On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Pope Leo XIV received a delegation of representatives from Senegal's Muslim communities at the Vatican, accompanied by leaders of the Senegalese Catholic Church. This audience, marked by fraternity and peace, highlighted the importance of dialogue between Christians and Muslims. In his address, the Holy Father praised the spirit of teranga, the Senegalese cultural value rooted in hospitality and solidarity.
"I am happy to welcome you, who represent the Muslim brotherhoods and communities of Senegal, alongside the representatives of the Catholic Church in the same country. This meeting is a significant expression of our friendship and our shared commitment to promoting an inclusive, peaceful, and fraternal society," the Pope said at the start of his remarks.
This event continues the Catholic Church's commitment to interfaith dialogue, a theme dear to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025. Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, thus carries forward this openness to other faiths, emphasizing shared values rather than doctrinal differences.
Teranga: A Cultural and Spiritual Treasure
The Pope spoke at length about the concept of teranga, which he presented as one of Senegal's riches. This Wolof term, which goes beyond simple hospitality, describes a way of life based on respect, care for others, and sharing. "Senegal is the land of teranga, a culture of hospitality and solidarity," he stated.
In Senegalese society, this value is concretely manifested in daily relations between Muslims and Christians. Major religious festivals are often occasions for exchanges between families, and religious authorities maintain regular contacts on educational or humanitarian issues. Teranga thus helps maintain peaceful coexistence, even if social tensions may exist.
The Holy Father emphasized that this model of fraternity is a precious treasure in a world marked by identity divisions. He called for not instrumentalizing the name of God to justify violence or exclusion, recalling that "God is love and peace."
An Appeal to Universal Fraternity
In his speech, Pope Leo XIV invited Christians and Muslims to be peacemakers, inspired by teranga. He quoted the Bible, recalling that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5, ESV). This verse illustrates the source of Christian fraternity, which must extend to all people.
The Pope also mentioned the Quran, where it is written: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another" (Surah 49:13). This mutual recognition is at the heart of interfaith dialogue.
An Example for the World
The example of Senegal, where Muslims (about 95% of the population) and Christians (about 4%) have lived in peace for centuries, is an inspiration for many countries. The Pope expressed his hope that this spirit of teranga could radiate beyond Senegal's borders, especially in regions where religious tensions are high.
"This treasure of fraternity, which is yours, is a gift from God. It must be protected and shared," he declared. He encouraged religious leaders to continue working together for the common good, particularly in education, health, and the fight against poverty.
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