Sat Nov 29 20:02:44 UTC 2025: Pope Leo XIV Visits Istanbul’s Blue Mosque in Historic First
Istanbul, Turkiye – Pope Leo XIV made history on Saturday by visiting Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque, marking the first known visit by the leader of the Catholic Church to a Muslim place of worship. The visit occurred on the third day of the Pope’s trip to Turkiye, his first overseas journey as pontiff, which also includes a stop in Lebanon.
The Pope, formerly a relatively unknown figure on the world stage before his ascension in May, bowed respectfully upon entering the grand mosque, capable of holding 10,000 worshippers. He was guided through the complex by the mosque’s imam and the mufti of Istanbul.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Pope smiled and engaged in friendly conversation during the 20-minute visit, even joking with the mosque’s lead muezzin, Askin Tunca, who leads the daily calls to prayer.
“He wanted to see the mosque, he wanted to feel the atmosphere of the mosque, and he was very pleased,” Tunca told reporters following the visit. He added that he offered the Pope the opportunity to pray, but Pope Leo XIV said he preferred simply to visit.
The Vatican released a statement emphasizing that the Pope undertook the tour “in a spirit of reflection and listening, with deep respect for the place and for the faith of those who gather there in prayer.”
The lighthearted exchange occurred as the Pope was leaving, and the Pope noticed he was being guided out a door labeled “No Exit,” to which he replied, “It says no exit.” Tunca responded jokingly, “You don’t have to go out, you can stay here.”
The Pope’s visit comes in contrast to his predecessors, as he opted not to visit the nearby Hagia Sophia. The legendary basilica was converted back into a mosque in 2020, a move that drew international condemnation.
Pope Leo XIV is being closely observed as he makes his first overseas speeches and interacts with people outside of Italy, where he previously lived. He will remain in Turkiye until Sunday before continuing his journey to Lebanon.
First Piper 