What do Muslims think about the Catholic Church?

Respect for sincere Christians

The Quran speaks warmly of Christians who are humble and devoted, and specifically mentions their priests and monks:

Early Muslim history includes a Christian king, the Negus of Abyssinia, who sheltered persecuted Muslims. When he died, the Prophet ﷺ announced his death and led a funeral prayer for him (Sahih al-Bukhari 1245). See What does the Quran say about Christians?

Where Muslims and Catholics agree

• Belief in one Creator, prophets, angels, judgment and the afterlife.
• Deep love for Jesus and for Mary, who has a whole chapter of the Quran named after her.
• Belief that Jesus was born of a virgin and will return.
• Shared values on prayer, charity, family and caring for the poor.

Where Muslims disagree

• The Trinity and the divinity of Jesus: Muslims believe Jesus was a great prophet and the Messiah, but not God or the son of God. See Do Muslims believe in the Trinity?
• The crucifixion and the sacraments: Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified, and salvation comes through faith and deeds, not sacraments.
• Religious authority: Islam has no pope, priesthood or central church. No human stands between a person and God.
• Praying to saints: Muslims direct all prayer to Allah alone, not to Mary or the saints.

The Church and Muslims today

Since the Second Vatican Council's document Nostra Aetate (1965), the Catholic Church has officially expressed esteem for Muslims, and recent popes have visited mosques and met Muslim leaders. Many Muslims value this. Of course, history also includes painful chapters like the Crusades, and Muslims hold a range of views. Most simply judge Catholics they meet as individuals, by their character and kindness.