Pope Leo XIV at the Blue Mosque

28-11-25

On his first international tour since his election in May, Pope Leo XIV is visiting the famed Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul today, marking a symbolic gesture of respect toward the Islamic world and a new milestone in his commitment to interfaith dialogue.

Upon his arrival, the Pontiff removed his shoes—as tradition requires—and entered barefoot, walking in white socks alongside the imam and the mufti of Istanbul, who guided him on a solemn tour of the interior of the mosque, which can hold around 10,000 people.

During the visit, which lasted approximately twenty minutes, Pope Leo adopted a contemplative and respectful attitude. Although several earlier gestures suggested that he might offer a silent prayer—as his predecessors did—the Pontiff chose not to pray and instead listened attentively while the muezzin explained the history, architectural art and devotional practices of the site. At the end of the tour, he shared a light-hearted moment with the muezzin: as they were leaving, he saw a sign that read “No exit” and remarked with a smile, “It says you can’t leave.” The religious leader replied, laughing, “You don’t have to leave, you can stay.”