In a meeting marked by dialogue and hope, Pope Leo XIV received at the Vatican the participants of the eighth gathering promoted by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, based in Amman, Jordan. The event, held in May 2026, focused on “Human Compassion and Empathy in Modern Times.” The Pontiff emphasized that these values are not secondary feelings but fundamental attitudes for religious traditions and a fully human life.
The Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, founded in 1994, aims to promote understanding among religions. The partnership with the Vatican reflects the Church’s ongoing commitment to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, especially in a world marked by divisions and conflicts. Leo XIV, known for his pastoral and accessible style, stressed that compassion and empathy are bridges that unite people of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.
The Meaning of Compassion in Christian and Islamic Traditions
In his address, the Pope explored how Christianity and Islam understand compassion. Citing Scripture, he recalled that Jesus Christ, seeing the crowds, “had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36, NIV). Similarly, in the Quran, God is often called “The Merciful” (Ar-Rahman), and mercy is a divine attribute that Muslims are called to imitate.
Leo XIV noted that compassion is not a passive feeling but an active force leading to action. “Compassion moves us to step out of ourselves and meet the other in their need,” he said. He also highlighted the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) as a model of practical empathy that overcomes ethnic and religious barriers.
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, NIV).
The Pontiff stated that this commandment is shared by both religions, though expressed differently. In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad taught: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (Hadith).
Empathy as an Antidote to Modern Indifference
We live in an age of digital connections, but also of isolation and indifference. The Pope warned that technology, while useful, can distance us from others’ suffering. “Empathy calls us to look into the eyes of the other, to listen to their story, and to share their pains,” he said. He cited the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, who embraced a leper, overcoming disgust and fear.
Leo XIV also mentioned the global refugee crisis and poverty as areas where compassion is urgently needed. “We cannot close our eyes to the suffering brother. Faith without works is dead,” he said, echoing James 2:17.
The Role of Religions in Promoting Peace
The meeting also addressed the role of religions in building peace. The Pope emphasized that compassion and empathy are key to overcoming extremism and prejudice. “When we put ourselves in the other’s place, we discover we are more alike than different,” he declared.
Muslim representatives present agreed, highlighting that interfaith dialogue is not a threat to religious identity but an opportunity for mutual enrichment. The Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies has promoted similar gatherings worldwide, encouraging religious leaders to work together for common causes.
Compassion in Daily Life: A Call for Everyone
The Pope concluded his address with a practical appeal: that compassion not remain only in speeches but be translated into concrete actions. He suggested small gestures like visiting the sick, listening to a friend in need, or helping a stranger. “Compassion begins at home, in
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