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Pope Leo XIV’s Inaugural Trip: A Balancing Act of Faith and Diplomacy in Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey – Pope Leo XIV, on his first international journey as pontiff, embarked on a delicate dance of interfaith dialogue and Christian unity during his visit to Turkey. The historic trip, which began Saturday, saw the first American Pope navigating complex religious and political landscapes, culminating in a highly anticipated stop at Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque.
The visit to the Blue Mosque, a gesture of respect to Turkey’s predominantly Muslim population, followed in the footsteps of previous pontiffs. However, unlike his predecessors, Pope Leo XIV opted for a tour of the magnificent 17th-century edifice rather than engaging in a moment of silent prayer.
An imam, Asgin Tunca, who welcomed the Pope, confirmed he had extended an invitation for Leo to worship, but the Pope declined, stating, “That’s OK.” Tunca expressed his belief that the Pope “wanted to see the mosque, wanted to feel (the) atmosphere of the mosque… and was very pleased.”
The Vatican later clarified that the visit was conducted “in a spirit of contemplation and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those who gather there in prayer,” revising initial reports that the visit had proceeded “as foreseen.” Notable changes also included the absence of Safi Arpagus, head of the Diyanet religious affairs directorate, who was initially expected to greet the Pope but had instead met him upon his arrival in Ankara.
A Focus on Christian Unity
Following his mosque visit, Pope Leo XIV shifted his attention to reinforcing Christian unity, meeting with Turkey’s Christian leaders at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem. This commitment was further demonstrated at the patriarchal church of the world’s Orthodox Christians, St. George, where he attended a doxology alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
In a poignant moment of shared faith, Pope Leo XIV expressed his certainty that the “encounter will also help to strengthen the bonds of our friendship.” The pontiff and Patriarch Bartholomew are expected to sign a joint statement, a significant step in mending the historical divide between Eastern and Western churches that dates back to the Great Schism of 1054.
The primary impetus for this historic visit is the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a pivotal gathering of bishops that produced a foundational creed still recited by millions of Christians globally. Pope Leo XIV, in his remarks to the gathered patriarchs, emphasized that “division among Christians is an obstacle to their witness,” and extended an invitation to Jerusalem for the next Holy Year in 2033, on the anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion, as “a journey that leads to full unity.”
Hagia Sophia Omission and Broader Middle East Peace
Notably absent from Pope Leo’s itinerary was a visit to the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and once a significant Christian cathedral that was controversially converted back into a mosque by Turkey in July 2020. This omission follows widespread international criticism, including from the Vatican, regarding the conversion.
The first American Pope is anticipated to speak in broader terms about peace in the Middle East during his inaugural foreign trip, which will also include a stop in Lebanon.
Technical Glitches and Heightened Security
Even a papal visit is not immune to modern-day logistical challenges. Pope Leo XIV’s ITA Airways Airbus A320neo charter was caught in a worldwide Airbus software update mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
This order stemmed from an analysis suggesting a software issue may have contributed to a recent sudden drop in altitude of a JetBlue plane. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that ITA was addressing the issue, with the necessary component and technician en route to Istanbul.
Meanwhile, security measures have been significantly heightened in Lebanon ahead of the Pope’s arrival. The Interior Ministry announced a ban on trucks entering Beirut and the Mount Lebanon governorate from Sunday morning until Tuesday night, with exceptions for essential deliveries. Additionally, Defense Minister Michel Menassa issued an order prohibiting the carrying of weapons in the same areas for three days, starting Saturday midnight.
Lebanon’s militant group Hezbollah extended a welcome to the pontiff’s visit, reaffirming its commitment to the nation’s religious coexistence, democratic accord, and security.
Pope Leo XIV will conclude his day in Istanbul with a Catholic Mass at the Volkswagen Arena, catering to the country’s small but devoted Catholic community of 33,000. Despite pouring rain and tight security, eager Catholics, like Polish national Maria Banasik, expressed their excitement, emphasizing the visit’s “great importance” in the current global climate.