Posts circulating online claim that Pope Leo XIV said, “Islam is a religion of peace we can learn from.” The line is often presented as a direct quote in short videos and reposted commentary. Because exact wording can be easily altered in social media content, the claim requires verification. Our review found that while the Pope has made statements encouraging interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence with Muslims, we found no evidence that he used this exact wording, so the quote attribution is misleading.
Social Media Posts
The claim spreads widely on Facebook, often in image form, with the quote attributed to the Pope: “Islam is a religion of peace we can learn from.”
Fact Check
No Evidence of the Exact Quote
A review of official Vatican communications, reputable Catholic media, and international news coverage shows no record of Pope Leo XIV stating the exact sentence “Islam is a religion of peace we can learn from.” Coverage of his remarks during the Lebanon trip and other interfaith engagements consistently reflects a broader message about coexistence, not that specific phrasing.
For example, reporting on his in-flight press conference after visiting Lebanon indicates that he emphasized dialogue and coexistence, stating that fear of Islam is often exaggerated and politically driven. According to the Crux report on the in-flight remarks, the Pope discussed concerns among Western Christians but framed them within a call for understanding and engagement rather than condemnation or endorsement of specific religious labels.
Similarly, another coverage from The Tablet confirms he encouraged people to be “less fearful” and to promote dialogue and respect between religions, rather than issuing categorical statements about Islam itself.
We contacted the Vatican for clarification but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
How the Misquote Likely Originated
The viral quote may stem from a real statement Pope Leo XIV made during his in-flight press conference after visiting Lebanon.
According to the official Vatican transcript, he said that people in Europe and North America “should perhaps be a little less fearful and look for ways of promoting authentic dialogue and respect.”
This remark was made in the context of discussing fears about Islam and immigration, where he emphasized cooperation, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
Over time, this more nuanced statement appears to have been simplified or reworded on social media into the more definitive claim that “Islam is a religion of peace we can learn from,” which does not appear in any official record.
Verified Remarks: Lebanon In-Flight Press Conference
Although no full verbatim transcript is publicly available, there is substantial evidence that Pope Leo XIV has consistently promoted interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence with Muslims.
During this exchange with journalists, Pope Leo XIV highlighted Lebanon as an example of coexistence and suggested that the relationships he observed there could serve as a model for other regions. He said people “should perhaps be a little less fearful” and promote dialogue and respect.
He also framed concerns about Islam in parts of Europe and North America as often influenced by political narratives, particularly those related to migration, and encouraged greater openness and dialogue. Overall, these statements reflect an emphasis on cooperation, easing fear, and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims.
(Source: Info Vaticana,OSV News,USCC)
Verified Remarks: Beirut Interreligious Encounter
In a separate formal address during an interreligious meeting in Beirut, the Pope emphasized unity and shared faith in God, calling for peace and coexistence among religions. In his official speech, he highlighted that different religious communities can “stand side by side” and that “unity, reconciliation and peace are possible. (Source)
Broader Context: Continuity with Interfaith Policy
Pope Leo XIV’s stance is consistent with longstanding Vatican policy on interreligious dialogue, particularly since the Second Vatican Council’s declaration Nostra Aetate, which encouraged respect for Muslims and other faith traditions. His remarks also appear broadly in line with the approach of Pope Francis, who used symbolic gestures and inclusive language to support Muslim-Christian relations.
Analyses of Leo’s early papacy suggest that while his tone may be more measured and structured, the overall emphasis remains on dialogue, coexistence, and reducing rhetoric driven by fear about Islam.
Conclusion
The claim is misleading. There is no verifiable evidence that Pope Leo XIV said the exact quote “Islam is a religion of peace we can learn from.” While his documented remarks promote interfaith dialogue and coexistence, the viral quote is an unsupported attribution that does not appear in official records.
Title: No evidence Pope Leo XIV said “Islam is a religion of peace we can learn from”
Fact Check By: Pranpreeya
Result: Misleading
