Pope Leo XIV has been recognised as a “bridge builder both within and outside the Church, a quality the Muslim Council of Belgium (CMB) considers essential,” the CMB stated in a press release on Friday while extending its good wishes to the Catholic community.
“The importance of unity, dialogue, and respect between different beliefs is a value we share,” the CMB added. “We hope that his papacy will contribute to strengthening interfaith dialogue and fostering a culture of peace and solidarity.”
American Robert Francis Prevost, aged 69, became the first pope from the United States on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV on the second day of the conclave. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
