Pope Leo XIV made his first visit to a mosque since becoming pope, touring Istanbul’s historic Blue Mosque on Saturday. The 17th-century landmark, known for its striking turquoise tiles and impressive Ottoman architecture, welcomed the pope as he removed his shoes and walked through the building in his white socks. Local Muslim leaders accompanied him during the visit.
A Muezzin who helped guide the tour said he invited the pope to pray inside the mosque, but Pope Leo declined, saying he wished only to look around. Confusion later arose when an initial Vatican press statement mistakenly claimed the pope had prayed during the visit and had been received by Turkey’s top religious official. The Vatican corrected the statement, explaining it had been sent in error and was based on pre-trip materials.
Pope Leo is the third pope to visit the Blue Mosque. Earlier papal visits included moments of silence that some described as prayer, an issue that has long drawn attention during such occasions. After the visit, the Vatican said the pope spent time in quiet reflection and expressed respect for the site and the faith of those who worship there.
Later in the day, Pope Leo met leaders of local Christian churches and joined Patriarch Bartholomew I for a service at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. The two leaders emphasized improving ties between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, which have been separated since the Great Schism of 1054. They ended the meeting by signing a joint declaration.
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