Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

Pope Leo XIV, on his inaugural international trip as Bishop of Rome, chose not to pray at Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, distinguishing himself from his predecessors. During his visit, he removed his shoes and donned white socks while exploring the historic mosque, known for its stunning 17th-century architecture and vibrant blue tiles. However, unlike Popes Benedict and Francis before him, he declined the invitation to pray at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque during his third day in Turkey, a nation that has transitioned from its Christian roots to a predominantly Muslim society.

The Vatican had informed reporters that the Pope might engage in a brief silent prayer at this significant site. Yet, when Imam Asgin Tunka invited him to pray, Leo graciously declined, stating, “No, I’m just looking around.” According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the Pope’s visit aimed to reflect a spirit of meditation and respect for the faith of the congregants there.

This decision contrasts sharply with Pope Francis, who prayed quietly during his visit in 2014, and Pope Benedict XVI, who did so in 2006. Benedict’s visit had drawn criticism across the Muslim world due to a controversial remark he made about Islam’s history.

Pope Leo’s choice not to visit Hagia Sophia also broke with recent tradition. This iconic structure had served as a cathedral before being transformed into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. Over the 20th century, it operated as a museum until 2020, when it was reverted to a mosque, intensifying tensions between the Catholic Church and Turkey.

When asked why Hagia Sophia wasn’t part of his itinerary, Bruni explained that it simply wasn’t on the program. Leo did, however, participate in a prayer service alongside Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. This gathering was significant, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, reinforcing ties between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

The two leaders signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to unity and condemning the use of religion to justify violence. They emphasized the importance of working towards peace for all people, raising their voices in favor of peace in the world.

Pope Leo’s trip to Turkey will conclude with a visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral before he continues to Lebanon to meet with Christian communities there.