Pope Leo XIV made his inaugural visit to a mosque on March 30, 2024, touring the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul. This significant event marks a step in interfaith dialogue, as the Pope respected local customs by removing his shoes upon entering the mosque. Despite being invited to pray, he opted instead to observe the site in silence.
The Blue Mosque, a 17th-century architectural marvel adorned with turquoise ceramic tiles, is one of Istanbul’s most celebrated landmarks. Accompanied by local Muslim leaders, Pope Leo walked through the mosque’s courtyard before entering the interior in his white socks. Known for his lightheartedness, the first American pope previously joked about his preference for “white socks,” a detail that resonated with attendees during the visit.
Aşgın Tunca, a Muezzin who guided the Pope during his visit, revealed that he had extended an invitation for Pope Leo to pray. “I offered him the opportunity to worship here, but he said, ‘no, I am just going to look around,’” Tunca explained. This interaction highlights the Pope’s choice to engage with the space contemplatively rather than through prayer.
The Pope’s visit to the Blue Mosque makes him the third pontiff to do so. In 2014, Pope Francis spent two minutes in silent prayer at the mosque, while Pope Benedict XVI engaged in what was described as a moment of “silent meditation” during his visit in 2006. These moments have historically prompted discussions regarding the nature of papal interactions in Muslim places of worship.
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 sentiment reinforces the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue with the Muslim community.
The first pope to visit a mosque was John Paul II, who did so in Syria in 2001. Over the past sixty years, the Catholic Church has actively engaged in dialogue with the Muslim world, a journey recently commemorated by Pope Leo at the Vatican. The anniversary celebrated a landmark church declaration on inter-religious cooperation, attended by hundreds of religious leaders.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Blue Mosque stands as a symbol of continued efforts towards understanding and respect between faiths, a mission that resonates strongly in today’s global context. As interfaith dialogue remains essential in a world marked by division, Pope Leo’s actions reflect a commitment to peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities.
