Pope Leo XIV Visits Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Engages with Religious Leaders

Pope Leo XIV made a significant visit to Istanbul’s renowned Blue Mosque, marking the beginning of an intense day dedicated to fostering dialogue with Turkey’s religious leaders. The Pope’s visit included a tour of the mosque led by the head of Turkey’s Diyanet religious affairs directorate, who showcased the mosque’s impressive architecture and intricate Arabic inscriptions.

During the visit, Imam Asgin Tunca remarked on the importance of the mosque, stating, “It’s not my house, not your house, (it’s the) house of Allah.” He reflected on the Pope’s openness, mentioning that he had offered Leo the opportunity to worship in the mosque, but the Pope graciously declined, expressing his desire to experience the atmosphere instead.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni later described the Pope’s experience at the mosque as one of silence and contemplation, emphasizing the respect shown for the space and the faith of those who gather there for prayer. This visit continues a tradition among recent Popes, who have made high-profile appearances at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a gesture of respect towards Turkey’s predominantly Muslim population.

Pope Leo removed his shoes and walked through the carpeted areas of the mosque in his white socks, symbolizing a shared reverence for the sacred space. In contrast, he opted not to visit the nearby Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and UNESCO world heritage site, which was converted back into a mosque in July 2020, a decision that garnered significant international criticism, including from the Vatican.

Following his visit to the Blue Mosque, Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting with Turkey’s Christian leaders at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem. His agenda for the afternoon included prayers with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, at the patriarchal church of Saint George. The day will culminate with a Catholic Mass at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena, serving the country’s Catholic community, which numbers approximately 33,000 in a nation of over 85 million people, most of whom are Sunni Muslims.

Earlier in his trip, Pope Leo prayed with Christian leaders in Iznik, commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in Christian history. This gathering of bishops was crucial in establishing the Nicene Creed, which continues to be recited by millions of Christians today. Standing at the historical site, the Pope urged participants to “overcome the scandal of the divisions that unfortunately still exist and to nurture the desire for unity.” He stressed that such unity is particularly vital during times “marked by many tragic signs,” where individuals face numerous threats to their dignity.

The Council of Nicaea took place when the eastern and western branches of the Christian church were still united before the Great Schism of 1054, which led to significant divisions primarily due to disputes over papal authority and other theological disagreements. Pope Leo XIV’s outreach reflects a commitment to healing these longstanding divides and fostering interfaith dialogue in a diverse and complex religious landscape.

As he navigates this meaningful trip, the Pope’s actions resonate beyond religious boundaries, appealing for unity and respect among different faiths in a world often marked by division.