Pope Leo calls for Christian-Muslim unity to revive compassion, warning that modern indifference threatens human dignity and solidarity.
Newsroom (11/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo on Monday called on Christians and Muslims to work together to “revive humanity where it has grown cold” and to “transform indifference into solidarity,” during a meeting at the Vatican with participants in an interfaith colloquium.
The audience included members of Jordan’s Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and representatives of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The gathering coincided with the eighth joint colloquium organized by the two institutions, centered this year on the theme “Human Compassion and Empathy in Modern Times.”
Welcoming attendees, including Prince Hasan bin Talal of Jordan, the Pope described compassion and empathy as “essential attitudes” rooted deeply in both Christian and Muslim traditions, rather than optional virtues.
Shared Religious Foundations
Drawing from Islamic teaching, Pope Leo highlighted the concept of ra’fa—compassion—as a divine gift placed in the hearts of believers, noting its connection to one of God’s names, al-Ra’uf. In parallel, he pointed to Christian scripture, where God responds to human suffering, citing the biblical account of God hearing the cries of the oppressed.
“In Jesus Christ, this divine compassion becomes visible and tangible,” the Pope said, emphasizing that Christian compassion involves “suffering with” others, particularly the poor and marginalized. He reiterated that love for those in poverty is central to a faithful Christian life.
Across both traditions, he stressed, compassion reflects a shared calling to embody God’s goodness in everyday life.
A Social Responsibility
Pope Leo linked these spiritual principles to broader social obligations, recalling the teaching of Pope Leo XIII that society and the state bear responsibility for supporting the poor and vulnerable. He expressed appreciation for Jordan’s efforts in hosting refugees and assisting those in need under difficult conditions.
He also warned that compassion is increasingly at risk in the modern world. While technology has enhanced global connectivity, he said, it can also foster detachment. The constant exposure to images of suffering, rather than inspiring action, can dull emotional response.
Referencing a warning from Pope Francis, he described a growing apathy in which people become accustomed to others’ suffering and disengage from it.
A Shared Mission for Humanity
Against this backdrop, Pope Leo called for a renewed joint effort between Christians and Muslims. “Compassion and empathy can be our instruments,” he said, urging both communities to restore dignity to those who suffer and to give voice to the marginalized.
He expressed hope that Jordan would continue to serve as a model of dialogue and solidarity in a region marked by ongoing challenges, and that interfaith collaboration would lead to “concrete gestures of peace, empathy and fraternity.”
Concluding his remarks, the Pope invoked God’s blessing on those present, emphasizing peace as a shared aspiration across both religious traditions.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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