Pope Leo XIV Interfaith Dialogue: Full Address to Representatives of Other Churches and Religions
Introduction: A Programmatic Message of Unity
In his first interfaith speech as the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful and symbolic message to representatives of other churches and ecclesial communities, as well as leaders of non-Christian religions. Just days after his papal inauguration, the Holy Father emphasized the spiritual and pastoral importance of interreligious dialogue, ecumenism, and global peace.
This Pope Leo XIV interfaith dialogue echoes the theological legacy of Pope Francis’ interreligious message, while introducing new emphases such as synodality and the visible unity of Christians. The address, given in the Clementine Hall, is a clear and structured call to Catholic respect for other religions, grounded in Scripture, tradition, and the shared dignity of all people.
I. Honoring Pope Francis’ Legacy of Interreligious Dialogue
From the outset, Pope Leo XIV expressed heartfelt thanks to the religious leaders present and explicitly connected his ministry to that of his predecessor. Referring to Pope Francis as the "Pope of Fratelli tutti,” he reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to fraternity among all peoples.
“May God help us to treasure his witness!”
By echoing Pope Francis’ Catholic view on other religions, Leo XIV places his pontificate firmly within the post-conciliar trajectory of mutual respect and openness.
II. Christian Unity: An Ecclesial and Pastoral Priority
The Symbolism of Nicaea
A pivotal point in the address is the mention of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which defined the shared Nicene Creed. Pope Leo XIV identifies this anniversary as a beacon for the Church’s efforts toward the unity of Christian churches:
“As Bishop of Rome, I consider one of my priorities to be that of seeking the re-establishment of full and visible communion…”
This affirmation transcends vague spiritual unity, advocating instead for a concrete and visible ecclesial communion among Christian denominations.
A Theology Rooted in Christ
The Pope cites his episcopal motto from St. Augustine: In Illo uno unum — "In the One, we are one." This reflects a Christ-centered vision of unity, where communion stems from shared discipleship rather than mere institutional agreements.
III. Interfaith Dialogue as a Path to Peace
Building on the Abu Dhabi Document
In a profound continuation of Catholic interfaith efforts, Pope Leo XIV quoted the Document on Human Fraternity co-signed by Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi:
“The culture of dialogue as the path; mutual collaboration as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard.”
This interfaith speech by the Pope presents dialogue not as diplomacy, but as a moral and spiritual commitment to peace, built upon the dignity of every human being.
Specific Outreach to Jews and Muslims
In a moving gesture, the Holy Father addressed both Jewish and Muslim communities specifically. He invoked Nostra Aetate, stressed Christianity’s Jewish roots, and highlighted shared monotheistic beliefs with Muslims, including the mercy of God.
“Let us work together in building a culture of encounter.”
IV. A Spiritual Vision for Global Peace
Pope Leo XIV concluded with a wide-ranging appeal for collective action against war, ecological destruction, and systemic poverty. His message transcended political ideologies, calling for a unified religious response to global crises:
“If we are in agreement, and free from ideological and political conditioning, we can be effective in saying ‘no’ to war and ‘yes’ to peace…”
This Pope Leo XIV interfaith dialogue is not merely symbolic—it is a spiritual framework for a Church that stands with all people of goodwill, across religious boundaries, in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
Conclusion: A Manifesto of Unity and Fraternity
This inaugural address by Pope Leo XIV is more than a welcome message—it is a theological and strategic manifesto for his papacy. It proposes:
A faithful continuation of Pope Francis’ interreligious message
A renewed focus on Christian unity, rooted in Christ
A respectful and proactive stance toward other religions
A call for peace founded on shared moral convictions
For American Catholics, this address affirms that the Catholic Church remains a key actor in promoting unity of Christian churches and interfaith understanding, both in Rome and across the globe.
Click here to read the full transcript of Pope Leo XIV’s interfaith speech.
