Pope Leo XIV Tours Istanbul’s Blue Mosque but Declines to Pray

ISTANBUL, Turkey — November 29, 2025 — Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul’s Blue Mosque on Saturday, touring the historic site but choosing not to pray inside, officials said. The pope, the first American to hold the papacy, removed his shoes and walked through the 17th-century mosque in white socks, observing its architecture and inscriptions as an imam pointed them out.

The Vatican had initially announced that Pope Leo would observe a brief moment of silent prayer during the visit. However, the pope declined an invitation from the mosque’s imam, Asgin Tunca, to pray, citing respect for the mosque as “Allah’s house,” according to the imam. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni later clarified that the pope experienced the visit in silence, in a spirit of contemplation and respect for the place and the faith of those who worship there.

Following the visit, the Vatican issued a corrected bulletin removing the reference to the planned moment of silent prayer without further explanation. The pope’s visit focused on strengthening ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting unity between Eastern and Western churches.

Papal visits to the Blue Mosque have historically included moments of prayer or silent reflection. Previous popes, including Benedict XVI in 2006 and Francis in 2014, observed silent prayer during their visits. Benedict’s visit came amid tensions following a controversial speech, and he bowed his head in silent prayer alongside an imam. Pope Francis stood in silent prayer for two minutes, facing east, during his visit.

Pope Leo’s decision not to pray inside the mosque marks a departure from these precedents, surprising Vatican officials who had prepared for a different protocol. The visit continues a tradition of popes visiting the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a gesture of respect toward Turkey’s Muslim majority, while navigating the sensitivities of interfaith relations.

The pope’s itinerary in Istanbul also included meetings with Orthodox leaders, emphasizing efforts toward Christian unity. The visit is part of Pope Leo’s first foreign trip as pontiff, underscoring his approach to interreligious dialogue and ecumenical relations.