MWE Correspondent
In a move widely seen as a symbol of interfaith respect, Pope Leo XIV visited the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday.
The pontiff’s visit marks one of the rare occasions a leader of the Roman Catholic Church has entered a major Muslim place of worship, underscoring his commitment to dialogue and understanding between religions.
Before entering the mosque, Pope Leo removed his shoes in accordance with local custom, a sign of reverence in Islamic tradition. He walked through the mosque’s grand interior, accompanied by Istanbul’s Mufti and the mosque’s Imam, pausing at various points to observe the intricate Ottoman architecture and the mosque’s famous turquoise tiles. His quiet and deliberate movements were widely interpreted as a demonstration of humility and respect.
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Inside the mosque, the Pope spent time listening attentively as the Imam explained the spiritual and historical significance of the space. The pontiff asked questions about Islamic practices and the symbolic elements of the mosque’s interior, including the mihrab, the niche indicating the direction of Mecca. Observers noted that although no formal prayer took place, the visit was characterized by thoughtful reflection and mutual respect.
The visit comes amid Pope Leo’s ongoing apostolic trip to Turkey and Lebanon, aimed at promoting Christian unity and fostering relationships with other faith communities. Experts say the decision to focus on observation rather than ritual demonstrates a careful balance between honoring Islamic traditions and maintaining the pontiff’s Christian identity.
Analysts suggest that this symbolic engagement could strengthen interfaith ties in a region historically marked by both cooperation and tension. Images of the Pope walking barefoot through the mosque have already circulated widely, evoking a powerful message of humility and dialogue in today’s global religious landscape.
By choosing the Blue Mosque one of Istanbul’s most renowned historical landmarks Pope Leo emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding in bridging religious divides, reinforcing his longstanding advocacy for peaceful coexistence among the world’s faiths.
