In a historic meeting at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV gathered with Muslim leaders from Senegal to reaffirm the importance of interreligious dialogue as a path to peace. The Holy Father emphasized that peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims is not only possible but necessary in an African continent marked by conflicts and tensions.
“Today more than ever, we must remember that we are all children of the same God,” the Pontiff said, citing the book of Genesis: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, NIV). This fundamental truth, he said, is the foundation upon which to build bridges of understanding and mutual respect.
Pope Leo XIV, who assumed office in May 2025 after the death of Pope Francis, continued his predecessor's legacy in promoting peace and dialogue. During the meeting, he noted that Senegal is an example of how different religious traditions can coexist in harmony, and he called for preserving this “treasure of brotherhood” for future generations.
Africa: A Wounded Continent in Need of Healing
The Pope did not ignore the painful realities facing Africa. Armed conflicts in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and the Sahel have left millions displaced and victimized. In this context, interfaith dialogue becomes a vital tool for easing tensions and building lasting peace.
“Christians and Muslims together believe that every human being is created by the hands of God, thus endowed with a dignity that no law or human power has the right to confiscate,” the Pope affirmed. This statement resonates with biblical teachings on the value of each person, as seen in Psalm 139:13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (NIV).
The Role of Faith in Building Peace
Faith, according to the Pope, should not be a cause of division but a motor for reconciliation. “We reject any instrumentalization of God’s name for military, economic, or political purposes,” he declared. This call is especially relevant in regions where religion has been used to justify violence.
The Pope also urged religious leaders to raise their voices in support of minorities suffering persecution. “We cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. Our faith demands that we be defenders of the oppressed,” he added, recalling the words of Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed” (NIV).
The John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel: A Legacy of Hope
On the same day, Pope Leo XIV met with members of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel, an organization founded by Saint John Paul II in 1984 to combat desertification and poverty in the Sahel region. The Pope recalled that this foundation is a concrete example of how faith can be translated into actions that transform lives.
“Peace is built not only with words but with concrete gestures of solidarity,” the Pontiff said. The foundation has implemented projects in sustainable development, water access, and education, demonstrating that love for neighbor is a demand of the Gospel. As it is written in James 2:17: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (NIV).
A Model for the World
The work of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel is a model of how Christian and Muslim communities can collaborate to address common problems. “When we work together for the common good, our differences become secondary,” the Pope stated. This practical approach is essential to overcoming historical divisions and building a future of peace.
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