Pope Leo XIV has made a historic visit to Istanbul's Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, signifying his first interaction with a Muslim place of worship since ascending to the papacy in May.
During his visit, the Pope was observed bowing as he entered the mosque but chose not to pray, a departure from the actions of previous popes. The Vatican described the visit as one taken in a 'spirit of reflection and listening,' showcasing deep respect for the Islamic faith and the individuals who gather in the mosque for prayers.
This visit forms part of a four-day tour of Turkey for Pope Leo, who will subsequently travel to Lebanon.
Following his time at the Blue Mosque, the Pope was received at St. George's Cathedral in Istanbul by Patriarch Bartholomew, the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century under the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, features thousands of beautifully crafted blue and turquoise tiles and attracts millions of visitors annually. It has been a site of previous papal visits, with Pope Francis praying there in 2014 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. Pope John Paul II was the first pope to enter a mosque during his historic visit to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus in 2001.
Among the themes of unity and peace that he has embraced since his election, Pope Leo has emphasized the need for global dialogue to prevent escalating conflicts. As part of his upcoming Lebanon visit, he is expected to engage with more faith leaders and listen to the voices of youth. His trip will culminate in a Mass at the Beirut waterfront, commemorating the tragic 2020 port explosion that resulted in significant loss of life.
