Europe’s Muslim leaders see hope in Pope Leo’s peacemaking role
Community figures from Spain, Italy, and Germany view the first American pope as a counterbalance to Trump-era policies
VATICAN CITY (MNTV) – Pope Leo XIV officiated his first mass in St. Peter’s Square last week, attended by global dignitaries such as the U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The following day, he convened with leaders of major world religions, underscoring his commitment to interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding.
Muslim leaders across Europe have welcomed the early gestures of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, expressing optimism about his potential to promote peace and interfaith harmony.
As reported by media outlet Hyphen, Imam Yahya Pallavicini, vice-president of Italy’s Islamic community association Coreis, hailed the events as a promising start to a papacy prioritizing peaceful conflict resolution.
“It was a significant moment with potential global implications,” he remarked.
The selection of Robert Prevost, the first American pope, comes amid heightened global tensions and political divisions.
Notably, his past social media activity hinted at critiques of the U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, including immigration, suggest a divergence in values.
Pope Leo, born in Chicago and having served as a missionary in Peru for many years, has emphasized compassion and solidarity with those seeking better lives in new countries.
Speaking to ambassadors at the Vatican, he reflected on his own experience as a descendant of immigrants who later chose to emigrate himself.
“All of us, in the course of our lives, can find ourselves healthy or sick, employed or unemployed, living in our native land or in a foreign country, yet our dignity always remains unchanged. It is the dignity of a creature willed and loved by God,” he said.
The pope’s election has drawn sharp reactions, particularly from figures aligned with the Trump administration.
Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, expressed disbelief in an interview with the BBC.
“It is shocking to me that a guy could be selected to be the Pope that had had the Twitter feed and the statements he’s had against American senior politicians,” said Bannon.
He predicted “definitely going to be friction” between Leo and Trump.
Muslim leaders support the pope
Imam Pallavicini observed, “While an American, Leo XIV represents values far removed from Trump’s personality.”
Imam Benjamin Idriz, chair of the Munich Forum for Islam, expressed optimism that Pope Leo’s American roots could influence the U.S. administration.
“He may provide a counterpoint to Trump, advocating for European perspectives and restraint,” Idriz said to Hyphen.
Days after his inauguration, Pope Leo appealed for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, continuing his predecessor’s efforts to mediate peace in the region.
Mariam Isabel Romero, president of Spain’s Islamic Board, expressed hope in the Vatican’s potential to mediate effectively where others have failed.
“The EU and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation must step up. This cannot continue,” she urged.
Amid growing Islamophobia and far-right populism, faith leaders called for the pope’s advocacy for European Muslims’ rights.
Idriz proposed a historic gesture: a papal visit to a European mosque. “Such a visit would symbolize commitment to coexistence between Muslims and Christians,” he said to Hyphen.
Leo XIV’s early actions signal a papacy intent on fostering dialogue, justice, and reconciliation in a divided world.
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