University includes Koran in Mass

KU Leuven included a recitation of verses from the Koran during its opening Mass for the 2026-2027 academic year on September 16. During the liturgy at St. Peter's Church in Leuven, a young man chanted verses 69 and 70 of sura 26 in Arabic. The passage describes Abraham questioning his father and people about what they worshiped.

The Mass was presided over by Jacques Haers and attended by Archbishop Luc Terlinden. Following criticism from the student association KVHV-Leuven after images of the service circulated, the university stated the decision was made by the University Parish in consultation with the Rectorate and the bishops.

Professor Martijn Steegen, a layman, delivered the homily. This occurred despite recent Vatican reaffirmations that only clergy are permitted to preach the homily at Mass.