Pope Visits Blue Mosque in Istanbul - Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque Strengthens Interfaith Bonds
Pope Leo XIV made a historic visit to Istanbul’s Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, as part of his trip to Turkey. The visit aimed to foster interfaith dialogue and marked a significant moment in his itinerary. Security was tight during the event, reflecting its importance.
Upon arrival, the Pope entered the mosque barefoot, respecting local customs. This gesture mirrored the actions of his predecessors, Benedict XVI and Francis, who also observed this tradition during their visits. Both former popes had paused for silent reflection inside the mosque, a practice that has become symbolic of respect for Islamic worship.
The Vatican had earlier announced that Pope Leo XIV would observe a 'brief moment of silent prayer' inside the Blue Mosque. However, it remained unconfirmed whether this actually took place. In 2014, Pope Francis had bowed his head toward Mecca while visiting the mosque, a gesture widely seen as a sign of respect for Islam.
The head of Turkey’s Diyanet, the state religious authority, received the Pope at the Blue Mosque. Unlike previous papal visits, Pope Leo XIV’s schedule did not include a stop at Hagia Sophia, a site visited by both Benedict XVI and Francis. The Blue Mosque itself stands as one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and holds deep significance in the Islamic world.
The visit reinforced the tradition of interfaith engagement between Christian and Muslim leaders. By following established customs and maintaining a respectful demeanour, Pope Leo XIV continued the legacy of his predecessors. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen understanding between different faiths.
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