Pope Leo XIV made a significant gesture of interfaith respect by visiting Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque, a first for him since his election as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The visit, part of his four-day trip to Turkey, was a symbolic move to promote unity and understanding between different faiths. As he entered the mosque, he removed his shoes, adhering to traditional Islamic etiquette, and walked through the carpeted interior in his white socks.
The Pope’s visit was marked by a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer. Although he didn’t stop to pray, he engaged in conversations with Muslim leaders, including the mosque’s imam and Istanbul’s mufti. The visit was a departure from his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, who both prayed at the mosque during their visits.
The Blue Mosque, officially named Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s main tourist attractions and a significant place of worship for Muslims. The Pope’s visit aimed to strengthen ties between the Catholic Church and the Muslim community, and to promote peace and understanding in a region marked by conflicts.
The visit was also seen as a significant moment in Christian history, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in shaping Christian doctrine. The Pope’s trip to Turkey will be followed by a visit to Lebanon, where he will meet with Christian leaders and promote peace and unity in the region.
