Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul’s historic Blue Mosque on Saturday, marking a significant moment in his inaugural trip as pontiff. The visit opened a day filled with meetings and liturgies focused on fostering unity among Christians in Turkey. Although the Vatican had indicated that the pope would observe a “brief moment of silent prayer” during his visit, he ultimately did not pray while touring the mosque.
During the visit, Leo took off his shoes and walked through the 17th-century mosque in his white socks, admiring the impressive domes and intricate Arabic inscriptions. An imam at the mosque, Asgin Tunca, had invited Leo to pray, noting that the mosque is “Allah’s house.” Despite the invitation, Leo declined, with a Vatican spokesperson later stating that the pope experienced the visit “in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening.”
Historical Context and Previous Papal Visits
Papal visits to the Blue Mosque often stir speculation about whether the pontiff will pray in the Muslim place of worship. Previous popes, including Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, have engaged in silent prayers during their visits, which were seen as gestures of respect towards Turkey’s Muslim majority. Benedict visited the mosque in 2006, following a controversial speech that strained relations with the Muslim community. He observed a moment of prayer alongside the imam, while Francis offered a two-minute silent prayer during his visit in 2014.
Leo’s visit came without the customary stop at the nearby Hagia Sophia, a site of historical significance that was converted back into a mosque in July 2020. The Vatican had previously expressed criticism over the change, which drew global attention. Leo’s itinerary omitted this landmark, further emphasizing the delicate relationship between the Catholic Church and Turkey’s religious landscape.
Engagement with Christian Leaders
After the mosque visit, Pope Leo held a private meeting with Christian leaders at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of unity among Christians, stating that division among them is an obstacle to their witness. He also highlighted the upcoming Holy Year in 2033, marking the anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion, and invited leaders to participate in a pilgrimage to Jerusalem aimed at fostering greater unity.
In the afternoon, Leo was scheduled to pray with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George. Their meeting was anticipated to culminate in a joint statement, reinforcing the shared commitment to ecumenical dialogue.
While the pope focused on building bridges with Orthodox Christians and Muslims, logistical challenges arose during his travels. His ITA Airways Airbus A320neo was affected by a global software update mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which was linked to safety concerns. A spokesperson confirmed that the necessary components were en route to Istanbul for the timely resolution of the issue.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue his journey, flying from Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday afternoon for the next leg of his trip. The pope’s visit to Turkey highlights the ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and understanding between cultures and faiths, reflecting his commitment to unity in a diverse religious landscape.
