29.11.2025 10:31
Pope Leo XIII visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque today as part of his program in Istanbul. Before entering the mosque, the Pope also took off his shoes. During the day, the Pope will go to the Syriac Church in Yeşilköy, and in the evening, he will lead a service.
Upon the official invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Pope Leo XIII's official visit to Turkey continues in Istanbul.
SPENT THE NIGHT AT THE CATHEDRAL
The first stop of Pope Leo XIII, who spent the night at the Saint Esprit Cathedral in Şişli, was the Sultanahmet Mosque during his Saturday meetings.
MINISTER ERSOY WELCOMED HIM
Intense security measures were taken in the area due to the visit, and Pope was welcomed by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Istanbul Provincial Mufti Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emrullah Tuncel, Sultanahmet Mosque imam Fatih Kaya, muezzin Musa Aşgın Tunca, and other officials.
HE TOOK OFF HIS SHOES
During his visit, the Pope took off his shoes at the entrance of the mosque and received information from the officials about the history and architecture of the mosque.
HE STAYED AT SULTANAHMET MOSQUE FOR HALF AN HOUR
The muezzin of Sultanahmet Mosque, Musa Aşgın Tunca, explained the mosque to Pope Leo XIII. After approximately half an hour of visit, the Pope left Sultanahmet Mosque to proceed to the Mor Efrem Syriac Orthodox Church in Yeşilköy. Pope Leo XIII will visit the Syriac Church in Yeşilköy today.