(MENAFN) Pope Leo XIV said on Tuesday that Islamophobia in Europe is frequently driven by individuals who aim to marginalize people of different religions or ethnic backgrounds, according to statements reported by news outlets.

He highlighted that the coexistence of Christians and Muslims in Lebanon offers valuable lessons for Europe and North America, emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine dialogue and mutual respect.

Returning to Rome aboard a special ITA Airways flight after his first official overseas trip covering Türkiye and Lebanon, the pope spoke with journalists about his visit and several regional and international developments.

When asked if he plans to leverage his connections with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—following his remarks that “Israel is our friend"—to help stop Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and whether lasting peace is achievable, he replied: “First of all, yes, I believe that sustainable peace is possible. I have begun speaking to some of the leaders you mentioned, even in a very limited way, and I intend to continue doing so personally or through the Vatican.”

He also met with Lebanese political authorities involved in domestic and international conflicts.

“Our work is essentially not something we announce publicly. It is more an activity we conduct behind the scenes. In fact, we were already doing this, and we will continue trying to persuade the parties to abandon weapons and violence, to sit at the table of dialogue, and to seek solutions that do not involve violence and could be more effective and better for the people,” he said.

Asked whether Hezbollah had received his message from 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.”

On rising tensions between NATO and Russia and Trump’s initial Ukraine peace plan that excluded Europe, he commented: “This issue is of course a very important matter for world peace. But the Vatican does not have direct involvement because we are not a member of NATO nor have we played a direct role in the dialogue conducted so far. Still, we have repeatedly called for a ceasefire, for dialogue, and for the end of the war. But today, we are facing a conflict with many dimensions.”

He added that Europe’s participation in peace efforts is crucial, noting that the initial plan was modified to include European concerns. “I think Italy can play a very important role, because culturally and historically, Italy has the capacity to act as a mediator among different parties, including Ukraine, Russia and the United States,” he said, emphasizing that the Vatican could support such mediation.

Addressing concerns among some Catholics that Islam threatens Western Christian identity, the pope said: “During my time in Türkiye and Lebanon, all the meetings I held focused precisely on peace and respect among people of different religions. The truth is, I know this has not always been the case. I know that at times, fears exist in Europe, but they are often fueled by those who oppose migration and who try to exclude people coming from another country, another religion, or another ethnic background.”

He stressed that Muslim-Christian dialogue and friendship are achievable. “I think one of the great lessons Lebanon can teach the world is that it is a country where both Islam and Christianity exist and are respected, where coexistence and friendship are possible. The stories we heard in the past two days, testimonies of Muslims and Christians helping each other, even in villages that were destroyed, are important lessons that should also be heard in Europe or North America. Perhaps we should be a little less fearful and look for ways to foster real dialogue and mutual respect,” he said.

Regarding tensions between the US and Venezuela, the pope commented: “In such situations, those who usually suffer are not the authorities, but the people. Statements from the United States change frequently. On one hand, it is said the two presidents have spoken by phone. On the other hand, there is this danger, this possibility, that there could be an action, an operation, including an invasion of Venezuelan territory. I do not know more. I personally hope that pathways for dialogue are pursued, perhaps economic sanctions, but in any case, a search for dialogue.”

Pope Leo also expressed his desire to visit Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, though he may travel to Africa first. He additionally mentioned a wish to visit Algeria.

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