Pope Leo XIV made a historic visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque, notable for his decision not to engage in prayer during the visit. This choice reflected his broader focus on fostering stronger relations with the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Rather than performing religious rituals inside the mosque, the Pope concentrated on dialogue aimed at bridging divides between different Christian traditions. The visit symbolized a commitment to ecumenism and cooperation among Christian communities.
"The emphasis is on unity and mutual understanding rather than ritual," said a Vatican spokesperson.
The Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic religious sites, normally symbolizes Islamic faith rather than Christian tradition. By visiting the mosque without praying, the Pope highlighted respect without crossing religious boundaries, aiming to build trust and goodwill.
This visit shows a thoughtful approach by Pope Leo XIV, prioritizing reconciliation and unity among Christians over religious formality during an interfaith encounter.