Pope Leo XIV removes shoes but declines to pray in visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque

Visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, took off his shoes as a gesture of respect before stepping into Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, a 17th-century architectural landmark of the Ottoman era. His visit drew considerable attention as it symbolized efforts toward interfaith understanding between Christianity and Islam.

A Respectful Yet Reserved Gesture

During the visit, the Pope observed the tradition of removing footwear at the entrance, following Islamic custom, but chose not to participate in any formal act of prayer inside the mosque. According to the Vatican, his silence was meant as “a moment of quiet reflection,” showing reverence without engaging in worship.

Reception and Reactions

Local religious figures welcomed the pontiff’s respectful approach. Turkish officials described the visit as “a meaningful gesture of mutual respect,” even though the Pope’s refusal to pray inside reflected a cautious line between cultural recognition and religious neutrality. Observers noted that such gestures continue to shape dialogue between the Catholic Church and Muslim communities.

“This was about respect and shared humanity, not prayer,” commented one Vatican spokesperson.

Author’s summary: The Pope’s respectful visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque underscored his commitment to interfaith harmony while maintaining the Catholic Church’s position on distinct religious practices.

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