Under the careful watch of Vatican scheduling and management, Pope Leo XIV's first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon had very few slip-ups or mishaps.
However, if there was one moment that caught the public's attention, it was that of mix-up at the Blue Mosque in Turkey.
The famous Blue Mosque is familiar with papal visits, as Pope Benedict XVI stopped by in 2006, and Pope Francis visited in 2014. Both of the previous pontiffs took a moment to bow their heads while visiting.
However, Pope Leo XIV declined the invitation when it was offered to him and preferred to continue on with the tour.
Now we know what the Pope was thinking at the time. In an meeting with reporters outside of Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo revealed that he may or may not have prayed inside the Blue Mosque, but he also has a preference to pray inside of Catholic Churches.
POPE LEO XIV
But who said that I didn’t pray? They said that I didn’t pray, but I gave them an answer on the plane. I mentioned another book; it’s possible that I’m praying even right now, you know? So, the style of prayer depends on the moment and the place. I, in fact, prefer to pray in a Catholic church, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
So, the world may never know whether or not Pope Leo XIV prayed inside the Blue Mosque. However, what the Roman pontiff made very clear is his strong preference for another place of worship – in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
CRT
