Historic Interfaith Moment in Istanbul
In a significant display of interfaith respect and dialogue, Pope Leo visited Istanbul's renowned Blue Mosque on November 29, 2025, where he participated in a symbolic gesture of removing his shoes before entering the sacred Islamic space.
A Smiling Pontiff in White Socks
The spiritual leader was seen walking through the mosque wearing white socks during his approximately 20-minute visit. Pope Leo maintained a cheerful demeanor throughout the encounter, frequently smiling and even sharing light moments with his guides. One of the notable interactions occurred with the mosque's lead muezzin, the official responsible for leading the daily calls to prayer, with whom the Pope exchanged friendly jokes.
Symbolic Gestures of Respect
While the Pope removed his shoes in accordance with Islamic tradition for entering mosques, he did not engage in prayer during the visit. This careful balance demonstrated respect for Islamic customs while maintaining the distinctiveness of his own faith tradition. The visit represents another chapter in the ongoing dialogue between the Vatican and Islamic communities worldwide.
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, stands as one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, it remains an active mosque while also attracting millions of visitors annually. The Pope's visit to this particular site carries deep symbolic weight given its historical and religious significance in the Muslim world.
This diplomatic and religious engagement comes at a time when interfaith dialogue has become increasingly important in global relations. The warm interactions observed during the visit suggest a positive step forward in Christian-Muslim relations and demonstrate the potential for religious leaders to build bridges across faith communities.
