Pope Leo XIV made his first visit to a mosque on Saturday, marking a significant moment in interfaith dialogue. The pope visited the historic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, a 17th-century architectural masterpiece renowned for its stunning turquoise ceramic tiles. During the visit, he removed his shoes—a customary sign of respect—but did not engage in prayer.
Accompanied by local Muslim leaders, Pope Leo walked through the mosque’s courtyard and toured the interior while wearing white socks. Known for his lighthearted humor, he recently remarked about his fondness for “white socks,” a personal touch that resonated with those present.
Aşgın Tunca, a Muezzin at the mosque, indicated that the pope had been invited to pray during his visit. The Muezzin, whose role includes calling Muslims to prayer, explained, “I offered him, if he would like to worship here, but he said ‘no, I am just going to look around.’”
Past papal visits to the Blue Mosque have often sparked discussions regarding the pope’s approach to prayer in a Muslim place of worship. In 2014, Pope Francis spent two minutes in silent prayer at the mosque, while Pope Benedict XVI engaged in a moment of “silent meditation” during his visit in 2006. These instances have contributed to a dialogue about the significance of such gestures.
Following Pope Leo’s visit, the Vatican issued a statement emphasizing that the pope “visited the mosque in silence, in a spirit of reflection and listening, with profound respect for the place and the faith of those gathered here in prayer.” This approach aligns with the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to dialogue with the Muslim community, a relationship that has evolved significantly over the last sixty years.
The first pope to visit a mosque was John Paul II, who did so in Syria in 2001. This historical context underscores the importance of Pope Leo’s visit, particularly as he recently commemorated the 60th anniversary of a pivotal church declaration on inter-religious cooperation. The anniversary was marked by a gathering of hundreds of religious leaders at the Vatican, emphasizing the church’s commitment to fostering understanding among different faiths.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Blue Mosque serves not only as a personal milestone but also as a reflection of the Catholic Church’s ongoing efforts to engage with the Muslim world. The visit illustrates a commitment to mutual respect and understanding, essential components of interfaith dialogue in today’s increasingly interconnected global landscape.
