Historic Gesture of Dialogue
ISTANBUL: Pope Leo XIV will visit the Blue Mosque on Saturday, marking the third day of his trip to Turkiye. According to Geo TV, this will be the first time the newly elected American pontiff chosen in May as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics enters a Muslim place of worship since succeeding the late Pope Francis.
Following Tradition, Avoiding Controversy
The visit echoes the footsteps of Pope Benedict XVI in 2006 and Pope Francis in 2014, both of whom prayed at the mosque alongside Istanbul’s Grand Mufti. However, unlike his predecessors, Leo will not visit the nearby Hagia Sophia, which was controversially reconverted into a mosque in 2020, a decision that drew international criticism, including from Francis.
Significance of the Blue Mosque
Built in the early 17th century under Sultan Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, famed for its six minarets and interior lined with blue Iznik tiles. The pope’s presence there underscores his commitment to interfaith dialogue and symbolic gestures of unity.
Meetings with Christian Leaders
Later on Saturday, Pope Leo will meet local church leaders, attend a service at the Patriarchal Church of St George, and join Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at his palace on the Golden Horn. The two leaders are expected to sign a joint declaration, though its contents remain undisclosed.
Mass and Worship
In the evening, the pontiff will celebrate mass at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena, where around 4,000 worshippers are expected to attend. On Friday, he traveled to Iznik for an ecumenical prayer service marking 1,700 years since one of the early Church’s most significant gatherings.
Next Stop: Lebanon
On Sunday, Pope Leo will continue his first overseas tour with prayers at the Armenian cathedral and a divine liturgy at St George’s before departing for Lebanon, the second leg of his journey.