Muslims express dismay over growing Catholic influence in France
A Muslim organization has expressed concern that Christianity's growing influence in Western Europe could undermine Islam's religious standing.
The French Muslim apologetics group Miséricorde pour l’Humanité (Mercy for Humanity) has reported a major revival of Catholicism in France and predicted that the country will return to its Christian roots within several decades.
Representatives of the Islamic organization expressed concern that Christianity's growing influence in Western Europe could weaken Islam's religious standing. In a statement, they acknowledged watching with sadness as interest in the Catholic Church continues to grow among the French population.
“It is sad to see all this enthusiasm surrounding Catholicism,” the organization said. “This has been predicted for years... In 45 years, France will be Catholic again, and we will have nothing left but tears.”
The authors of the statement also acknowledged the high level of religious engagement among Christians, describing them as more diligent and united.
“Catholics are much better organized and act more decisively than we Muslims do. American Catholics will spread their soft influence throughout the world at the expense of Islamic spiritual influence in Western Europe.”
The Islamic organization also pledged to counter the Christian revival through intellectual and financial efforts in the public sphere, while remaining within the law.
The Muslim organization's statement came amid Pope Leo XIV's pastoral visit to France. Earlier, the UOJ reported that 700,000 people attended a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo in central Paris.
