Pope Leo XIV rejects far-right links to authentic Christianity

Pope Leo XIV stated that the association of far-right political positions with certain religious expressions does not represent an “authentic expression of Christianity.” The remarks were made during a press briefing on a flight returning to Italy following a four-day visit to France.

The Pontiff addressed the rise of far-right groups in Germany and the potential link between these political movements and the declining number of churchgoers in the country. While noting that a deeper study is needed to confirm a direct correlation, he observed that some political manifestations combine extremist views with religious identity. He noted that both Catholic and Protestant leaders in Germany have already expressed that such combinations are not authentic to the faith.

Leo XIV called for a return to Gospel values—such as compassion, understanding, and accompaniment—to counter political extremism and social division. He emphasized that the Christian message should not be used to justify hate, intolerance, or exclusion, and advocated for political participation that is oriented toward the common good.