Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday that Islamophobia in Europe is often fueled by those who seek to exclude people of different faiths or backgrounds.
He emphasized that the coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Lebanon offers lessons for Europe and North America, and that paths for sincere dialogue and mutual respect must be constantly sought.
The Holy Father returned to Rome on a special ITA Airways plane, after completing his first official visit abroad, which included Turkey and Lebanon.
Speaking to journalists accompanying him on the papal plane, he made assessments of his visit, as well as several international and regional developments.
Asked if he intends to use his relationships with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following his recent comments that "Israel is our friend", to help stop Israeli attacks in Lebanon and whether lasting peace in the region is possible, the Pope said: "First of all, yes, I believe that lasting peace is possible. I have begun to talk to some of the leaders you mentioned, even in a limited way, and I intend to continue this either personally or through the Vatican."
The Vatican head said he had also held talks in Lebanon with political authorities related to internal and international conflicts.
“Our work is not something we announce publicly. It takes place more behind the scenes. In fact, we were already doing this, and we will continue to try to convince the parties to abandon weapons and violence, to sit at the dialogue table and seek non-violent solutions, more effective and better for the people,” he said.
Asked if the Lebanese group Hezbollah had received his message related to the visit, the Pope replied: "Yes, I saw that. It is clear that the Church proposes the abandonment of arms and the search for dialogue. But beyond that, I prefer not to comment in this context."
Responding to questions about rising tensions between NATO and Russia and Trump's proposal for a peace plan in Ukraine that initially excluded Europe, the Pope said: "This is undoubtedly a very important issue for world peace. But the Vatican has no direct involvement, because we are not a member of NATO and we have not had a direct role in the dialogue that has taken place so far. However, we have consistently called for a ceasefire, for dialogue and for an end to the war. But today we are faced with a conflict with many dimensions."
Pope Leo XIV added that Trump had initially considered a peace plan without Europe's participation.
"The presence of Europe is actually very important. For this reason, that initial proposal was changed in line with the concerns expressed by Europe. I think Italy can play a very important role, because in terms of culture and history, Italy has the capacity to act as a mediator between different parties, including Ukraine, Russia and the United States," he said.
