Did Pope Leo Pray in Istanbul’s Blue Mosque? Not Visibly, at Least.
Watch: Pope Leo's plea for peace in Christmas message
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Pope Leo XIV visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul on his inaugural international trip to Turkey and Lebanon. The mosque's muezzin, Asgin Musa Tunca, reported that he had invited the pope to pray inside the 17th-century mosque, but Pope Leo demurred, saying "That's OK" when asked if he wanted to join the prayer. However, it is unclear whether the pope prayed silently or not. The Vatican stated that the pope spent his time in silence and contemplation, with profound respect for the faith of those gathered there. Despite this, the initial statement about a brief moment of prayer was later corrected by the Vatican. Pope Leo spent approximately 20 minutes at the mosque, where he was accompanied by Turkish officials and learned about the building's history and features.
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AI-ExtractedPope Francis bowed his head and clasped his hands next to Istanbul’s senior cleric for a two-minute silent prayer in 2014.
The Vatican initially released a statement saying the pope would observe "a brief moment of prayer" but corrected it shortly after.
Pope Leo XIV visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul on Saturday.
Leo, the first pontiff from the United States, did not appear to pray visibly.
Asgin Musa Tunca invited the pope to pray inside the Blue Mosque, but Leo demurred.
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