Pope Leo XIV to Visit Istanbul’s Blue Mosque in Historic Gesture

Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque on Saturday, marking a significant moment in interfaith relations. This visit is part of his four-day trip to Turkey, the first overseas journey since his election as head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in May 2025. The visit emphasizes dialogue between the Catholic Church and Islam, following the footsteps of previous pontiffs.

A Historic First for Pope Leo XIV

This is the first time Pope Leo XIV will visit a Muslim place of worship as Pope, continuing the legacy of his predecessors. Pope Benedict XVI visited the Blue Mosque in 2006, and Pope Francis followed in 2014 alongside Istanbul’s Grand Mufti. However, unlike them, Leo will not be visiting the nearby Hagia Sophia, which has a complex history of religious conversion and international debate.

Background on Hagia Sophia and Religious Significance

The Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire, was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. Later, it became a museum in 1935 under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s secular reforms and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2020, it reverted to a mosque, a decision that sparked international criticism, including from late Pope Francis.

The Significance of the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, known for its vibrant blue Iznik tiles, is one of Istanbul’s main landmarks. Constructed in the early 17th century under Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque features six towering minarets and was built on the site of the former Hippodrome of Constantinople. Pope Leo XIV’s visit here underscores his commitment to interfaith dialogue and respect for Islamic traditions.

Planned Meetings and Activities

During his visit, the Pope will meet local church leaders and attend a brief service at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. He will then join Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at his palace on the banks of the Golden Horn, where the two leaders are expected to sign a joint declaration. The details of the declaration have not yet been released.

Later on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate a mass at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena, with around 4,000 worshippers expected to attend. Earlier in his trip, he visited Iznik for an ecumenical prayer service commemorating 1,700 years since an early Church council.

Continuing the Tour

On Sunday, the Pope will attend a prayer service at an Armenian cathedral and lead a divine liturgy at St. George’s Church. Following his time in Istanbul, he will travel to Lebanon, marking the second leg of his first overseas tour as Pope.

The Broader Context

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Blue Mosque reflects ongoing efforts to promote interfaith understanding. This gesture is highly symbolic in a world where religious dialogue is increasingly important. The visit is seen as a step toward strengthening ties between the Catholic Church and the Muslim world, promoting peace, and highlighting shared values.