Pope Leo XIV visited the Blue Mosque in Istanbul on March 15, 2024, marking a significant moment in interfaith dialogue. Although he did not engage in prayer during his visit, the occasion served as a platform for discussions on Christian unity among religious leaders in Turkey. The Pope’s interactions included tours of the mosque and meetings with Christian representatives, highlighting the importance of collaboration among faiths.
Upon arrival at the mosque, Pope Leo removed his shoes and toured the historic site while dressed in his white socks. He admired the mosque’s stunning architecture, including its towering domes and intricate Arabic inscriptions. An imam, Asgin Tunca, guided the Pope through the mosque’s features and extended an invitation for him to pray, stating that the mosque is “Allah’s house.” The Vatican had initially indicated that the Pope would observe a “brief moment of silent prayer,” but this was later revised, with Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explaining that the Pope chose to experience the visit “in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and listening.”
This visit follows a tradition set by earlier popes who sought to foster relations with Turkey’s Muslim majority. Previous papal visits to the Blue Mosque have often sparked discussions regarding the appropriateness of prayer in a Muslim place of worship. When Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2006, he engaged in silent reflection alongside an imam, which was a critical gesture aimed at easing tensions following his controversial remarks about Islam. Similarly, Pope Francis prayed silently during his visit in 2014, reinforcing the significance of interfaith respect.
The day continued with a private gathering of Turkey’s Christian leaders at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem. Here, Pope Leo discussed the challenges of division among Christians, urging unity as they prepare for the upcoming Holy Year in 2033, which will commemorate the anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion. He invited attendees to journey to Jerusalem as a means of fostering unity.
In the afternoon, the Pope was scheduled to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christians, at the patriarchal church of Saint George. During this meeting, they planned to sign a joint statement emphasizing collaborative efforts among Christian denominations.
While Pope Leo focused on strengthening interfaith relations, logistical issues arose concerning his travel arrangements. His ITA Airways Airbus A320neo was affected by a global software update mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which aimed to enhance aviation safety. Bruni confirmed that the necessary updates were being expedited to ensure the aircraft’s readiness for the Pope’s next destination.
Pope Leo is set to continue his journey, with plans to travel to Beirut, Lebanon, on March 16, 2024, for the second leg of his inaugural trip as pope. This visit to Turkey not only underscores the Pope’s commitment to fostering relationships with diverse faiths but also highlights the ongoing dialogue necessary in a world where religious understanding remains crucial.
