Pope Leo Visits Istanbul’s Blue Mosque on Initial Foreign Trip
Pope Leo has made a significant visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, during his first overseas trip as the head of the Catholic Church. The visit took place on the third day of his journey, which is expected to conclude with a trip to Lebanon.
Pope Leo’s Landmark Visit to the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, dates back to the 17th century and is a historical landmark of the Ottoman Empire. During his visit, Pope Leo met with the mosque’s imam, Asgin Tunca, who highlighted the importance of mutual respect and understanding between faiths.
Details of the Visit
- The pope declined to join the imam for a silent prayer at the mosque.
- The imam remarked, “It’s not my house, not your house, (it’s the) house of Allah.”
- Pope Leo expressed interest in experiencing the atmosphere of the mosque and seemed pleased with the visit.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted that the Pope’s experience at the mosque was marked by silence and contemplation. His demeanor reflected deep respect for the faith of those who worship there.
Historical Context and Significance
The Blue Mosque is named after Sultan Ahmed I, who ruled from 1603 to 1617 and commissioned its construction. It features thousands of blue ceramic tiles, contributing to its renowned name.
Pope Leo is continuing a tradition of pontiffs visiting this sacred site, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, Pope Francis and Pope Benedict. Each visit symbolizes respect towards Turkey’s Muslim majority.
Pope Leo, observing proper mosque etiquette, removed his shoes and walked on the carpeted floors in white socks. However, he did not visit the Hagia Sophia, which is located nearby and was converted back into a mosque in July 2020, a move that drew criticism from the Vatican.
Upcoming Events
As part of his Turkish tour, Pope Leo is scheduled to conclude his visit with a Catholic Mass at the Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul. Turkey is home to about 33,000 Catholics, a minority in a population exceeding 85 million, predominantly Sunni Muslim.
