Istanbul, Turkiye – November 29, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV paid a historic visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) on the third day of his first overseas trip as pontiff, marking his first known visit to a Muslim place of worship. The trip, which also includes a visit to Lebanon, underscores the pope’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and global outreach.

Historic Visit and Mosque Tour

The pope, the first US-born pontiff, bowed slightly before entering the mosque early on Saturday. He was guided on a tour of the expansive complex by the mosque’s imam, Fatih Kaya, and Istanbul’s mufti, Emrullah Tuncel. The mosque, one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.

During the approximately 20-minute visit, Pope Leo XIV walked in white socks, smiled, and joked with the mosque’s lead muezzin, Musa Asgın Tunca, who is responsible for the daily calls to prayer.

“He wanted to see the mosque, he wanted to feel the atmosphere of the mosque, and he was very pleased,” Tunca told reporters.

Although the pope did not pray during the visit, Tunca offered him the opportunity, which Leo politely declined, choosing instead to reflect and observe.

Vatican Statement and Interfaith Significance

The Vatican described the tour as undertaken “in a spirit of reflection and listening, with deep respect for the place and for the faith of those who gather there in prayer.” Pope Leo’s visit to the Blue Mosque is seen as a symbolic gesture of interfaith respect and a step towards strengthening dialogue between the Catholic Church and Muslim communities.

Personal Moments and Lighthearted Interactions

Pope Leo XIV’s light-hearted personality was evident during his visit. As the group exited the mosque, he noticed a door labeled “No exit” and joked:

“It says no exit.”

Tunca replied, smiling: “You don’t have to go out, you can stay here.” The moment highlighted the pope’s approachable demeanor during his first overseas engagement.

Context of the Papal Trip

The pope’s visit to Turkiye and Lebanon is his first international trip since his election in May 2025. Pope Leo, previously little-known outside Italy, is closely watched as he makes his first speeches abroad and interacts with people beyond the predominantly Catholic regions of Europe.

Unlike some predecessors, Leo did not visit Hagia Sophia, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage site with a complex history, recently reconverted to a mosque in 2020.

The Blue Mosque: A Historic Landmark

Officially named after Sultan Ahmed I, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1603 to 1617, the mosque is famed for its thousands of blue ceramic tiles, which give the building its popular name. The Blue Mosque remains one of the most significant symbols of Istanbul’s cultural and religious heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year.