During the visit of a delegation from Senegal, Pope Leo XIV applauded interreligious efforts that bring people together.
By Jude Atemanke, ACI Africa
Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue in promoting peace, justice and social harmony, urging Christians and Muslims to work together in confronting conflict, extremism, discrimination and moral decline.
Addressing a delegation of representatives of the Muslim community in Senegal on May 9, the Holy Father praised the West African nation as a model of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among religious communities.
“You come from Senegal, the land of ‘teranga’ – hospitality and solidarity – a land of strong family ties, conviviality and peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims and believers of other traditions,” Pope Leo XIV said.
He described this culture of coexistence as “the foundation of dialogue between people distinguished by their religious affiliation and ethnic origin,” adding that it is “a precious asset not only for your nation but for all of humanity.”
“In this context, the values borne by the spirit of ‘teranga’ and interreligious dialogue are a valuable means of easing tensions and building lasting peace,” the Holy Father said.
He also expressed concern over the growing number of crises affecting societies worldwide, particularly in Africa, including war, inequality, forced migration, extremism, and social fragmentation.
“Unfortunately, armed conflicts persist on the African continent, causing serious humanitarian crises and deep-seated inequalities that afflict entire populations on a daily basis, not to mention the worrying rise of violent extremism,” Pope Leo XIV lamented.
Pope warns against the spread of hate speech
He went on to warn against the spread of hate speech and the weakening of moral and family structures, especially among young people.
“Added to this are growing flows of migrants and refugees, hate speech that poisons the social fabric, the weakening of family ties, and the erosion of ethical and spiritual values, particularly among the young,” he said.
Reaffirming the equal dignity of every person, he called on Christians and Muslims to defend human rights and reject all forms of persecution and exploitation carried out in the name of religion.
“As Christians and Muslims, we all believe that every human being is fashioned by the hands of God and thus endowed with a dignity that no law or human power has the right to take away,” the pope said.
He continued, “It is on this foundation of brotherhood, rooted in the origins of humanity and in faith, that we jointly assume our shared responsibility: to condemn all forms of discrimination and persecution based on race, religion or origin; to reject any exploitation of God’s name for military, economic or political ends; to raise our voices in support of every minority that suffers.”
Pope condemns religious manipulation
Recalling his message during the April 16 peace meeting at St. Joseph’s Cathedral of Bamenda Archdiocese during his April 15-18 Apostolic journey to Cameroon, the pontiff warned against manipulating religion for personal interests.
“Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own … gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth,” he cautioned.
The Holy Father encouraged continued dialogue and cooperation among faith communities as essential paths toward reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
“I pray that God Almighty may rekindle the desire to understand one another better, to listen to one another and to live together in respect and fraternity,” he said. “May he grant us the courage to take the path of dialogue, to respond to conflicts with gestures of fraternity and to open our hearts to others, without fearing differences.”
He prayed that efforts toward peace and solidarity would strengthen collaboration among communities for the common good.
“I pray that your commitment to peace, justice, and fraternity may bear abundant fruit, leading to ever deeper cooperation between all parties for the good of humanity,” Pope Leo XIV said.
Featured image: Pope Leo XIV and Rector of the Great Mosque of Algiers Mohammed Al-Mamoun Al-Qasimi Al-Hassani walk together during a visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa El Djazair), in Mohamadia, Algiers, Algeria, April 13, 2026. (OSV News/Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters)
