Pope Leo XIV's historic visit to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul was one of the central events of this first international trip, dedicated to dialogue with all and among all to build paths of peace. The Pontiff arrives at the Muslim place of worship, removes his shoes, and admires the beauty of the place. But unlike his predecessors, he chooses not to pray. Both Benedict XVI and Francis did so, but the times are different. This, however, does not diminish the search for "bridges," one of Prevost's most frequently used words during this trip to Turkey. Bridges with Muslims, but also among Christians and within the Catholic community itself.

And after the event in Nicaea, a new meeting between the Christian Churches is planned: in Jerusalem in 2033 for the Jubilee of the Redemption. Leo "asked for and assured prayers for new encounters and moments like the one experienced, even with those Churches that were unable to be present," the Vatican reports.

And our thoughts cannot help but turn to the Patriarchate of Moscow, led by Kirill, the conspicuous absentee from the commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Meanwhile, an important milestone in ecumenical dialogue is being built with the joint declaration between Pope Leo XIV and the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew: "We reject any use of religion and the Name of God to justify violence. We believe that authentic interreligious dialogue, far from being a cause of syncretism and confusion, is essential for the coexistence of peoples belonging to different traditions and cultures."

Thus, the appeal to those responsible to stop the ongoing conflicts around the world. Also in his homily, during the mass at the Volkswagen Arena, Pope Leo reiterated: "We live in a world where religion is too often used to justify wars and atrocities." The Pope and Bartholomew also confirmed that they are working on a single Easter date for all Christians. Returning to the first moment of the day, the visit to the Mosque, Pope Leo appeared truly awed by the beauty of that place of worship. But he chose, contrary to expectations, not to pray. "I told him that this is the house of Allah, that he could pray if he wanted, and he said 'no, I prefer to continue the tour'" and indeed continued his visit, the Mosque's muezzin, Asgin Tunca, told reporters, speaking enthusiastically of the illustrious guest and describing "a very cordial atmosphere."

The Vatican later explained: "The Pope visited the Mosque in silence, in a spirit of reflection and listening, with profound respect for the place and the faith of those gathered there in prayer." It is possible that Leo's choice was influenced by the desire not to offend the sensibilities of both the most hardline Muslims and conservative Catholics, who for various reasons had not appreciated the gesture (i.e., praying in a mosque) of previous Popes.

Then there's an unscheduled event. The plane carrying Pope Leo (with his entourage and journalists) on this first international trip is also an Airbus A320. And this aircraft, too, has had its monitor replaced: the new component arrived from Rome, the necessary work has been carried out, and the Pontiff will be able to continue on to Beirut tomorrow.

The unplanned plan envisioned by Ali Agca, who shot John Paul II in 1981, did not come to fruition: "I want to welcome the Pope. I hope we can sit down and talk," he had said in recent days. But the police, who have been closely guarding Leo's entire visit, stopped him in Iznik, Nicaea, and removed him before Pope Prevost's arrival.

(Unioneonline)

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