Pope Francis spoke out after a Koran was set aflame in Stockholm, expressing strong feelings about the incident. He conveyed his reaction in an interview with a regional Arabic-language publication, emphasizing respect for sacred texts shared by believers around the world.
He said the act was ungenerous and hurtful, underscoring that every sacred book should be treated with reverence by those who hold it dear. The pope’s remarks highlighted a plea for dignity in religious expression, urging restraint and mutual understanding in the face of provocation.
As the event drew attention across nations, multiple governments and religious communities urged calm while calling for accountability for actions that inflame tensions between diverse faith groups. The topic became a focal point for discussions about religious tolerance and the responsibilities that accompany freedom of expression.
With security concerns rising in several capitals, authorities in Sweden announced stepped up measures at key locations and border controls in response to the incident in central Stockholm. Officials stressed the need to protect public safety while maintaining the rights of assembly and speech that are protected by law.
On the day of Eid al-Adha, reports described an Iraqi immigrant burning the Qur’an in a public prayer setting in central Stockholm. Observers noted that organizers had been denied permission on two prior attempts in February, but the event proceeded, drawing attention to ongoing debates about religious provocation and social cohesion.
Statements from other international actors included warnings from former officials about the consequences of burning sacred texts without accountability. The discourse centered on the potential for such actions to inflame communities, create mistrust, and complicate efforts toward peaceful coexistence in diverse societies.