Pope Leo XIV portrait.webp
The Digest:

Pope Leo XIV made a significant symbolic gesture by visiting Istanbul's historic Blue Mosque on Saturday, marking his first visit to a Muslim place of worship since becoming pontiff. According to AFP, the American pope followed in the footsteps of his predecessors, removing his shoes to walk through the iconic mosque's halls in a powerful display of interfaith dialogue.

Key Points:
  • Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque on his third day in Turkey
  • This marked his first visit to a Muslim place of worship as pontiff
  • He removed his shoes and walked in white socks, a nod to his baseball team
  • The visit lasted 15 minutes, with Muslim dignitaries as guides
  • Unlike predecessors, he skipped visiting the controversial Hagia Sophia
  • Mixed reactions from locals: some praised unity, others expressed frustration
  • The pope continued to church meetings and Mass at Volkswagen Arena
In a world where religious divisions often create storms, the simple act of removing shoes becomes a powerful symbol of respect that transcends faith boundaries.

Sources: AFP, Punch Newspapers

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