Crowd defies rain to attend Pope Leo's mass in Istanbul

Despite heavy rain, thousands of faithful gathered to attend a mass led by Pope Leo XIV in Istanbul on Saturday, marking the final full day of his visit to Turkey. Earlier in the trip, the head of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics toured Istanbuls Blue Mosque, met with local church leaders, and visited Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at his palace along the Golden Horn.

After two days of sunshine, sudden rainfall did little to diminish the excitement of attendees, many of whom traveled long distances to witness the popes first overseas journey. Streets leading to the stadium were crowded with umbrellas, as anticipation filled the air.

"Im attending mass for the first time in my life!" said 68-year-old Gigi Moke from the Republic of Congo. Kasra Esfandiyari, a 27-year-old Iranian Christian refugee, added, "I traveled six hours from Izmir with my mother. Feeling the presence of everyone here, and the pope, was something I could not miss."

Inside the Volkswagen Arena, usually reserved for concerts, an altar was arranged on a red-carpeted platform, adorned with tall candles, flowers, and a large cross. Dressed in a purple chasuble decorated with gold to mark the Advent season, Pope Leo received a warm welcome from roughly 4,000 worshippers. The mass included prayers and readings in multiple languages, complemented by stirring choral performances.

In his sermon, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to "build bridges of unity" within their communities, with other Christian denominations, and with followers of different religions. "We aim to walk together, appreciating what unites us, dismantling walls of prejudice, and fostering mutual respect, offering a powerful message of hope," he stated.

The crowd comprised both locals and international visitors, united by faith. "Seeing the pope is very significant," said Istanbul resident Cigdem Asinanyan, hoping the visit would bring more awareness to Turkey's Christian minority. Elena Gimenez Marques, a 44-year-old from Spain, shared, "We traveled seven hours by bus because being near the pope feels like being near God. His visit to Turkey, the birthplace of Christianity, is truly remarkable."

Earlier in his stay, Pope Leo visited the Blue Mosque, marking his first visit to a Muslim place of worship as pope, echoing gestures by his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Unlike them, he did not visit the nearby Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century basilica turned mosque and later museum, which in 2020 was reconverted into a mosquea decision that previously sparked global controversy.

On Sunday, after leading prayers at an Armenian cathedral and conducting an Orthodox-style divine liturgy at St. Georges, Pope Leo will continue his first international tour with a visit to Lebanon.

Analysis: Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Turkey – A Milestone for Interfaith Relations

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Turkey marked a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church's relationship with other religions and cultures. Despite the challenges posed by the sudden rainfall on the final day, the mass at the Volkswagen Arena was a resounding success, drawing a diverse crowd of both locals and international visitors. This was not only a spiritual event but also an important demonstration of the Pope’s commitment to promoting unity among various Christian denominations and with other faith communities.

Earlier in his visit, Pope Leo made gestures that underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue. His visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque—his first as Pope—demonstrated a clear desire to engage with the Muslim world. This act, though symbolic, mirrors similar actions taken by his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, yet sets his own distinct course by not visiting the Hagia Sophia, a decision that continues to stir global debate.

The Pope's message of unity and mutual respect resonated deeply with the diverse group of worshippers present. From locals like Cigdem Asinanyan, who hopes the visit will raise awareness about Turkey's Christian minority, to international visitors like Elena Gimenez Marques from Spain, the event was a clear example of the Church's role in fostering dialogue and understanding. His call for “bridges of unity” is more than just a spiritual message; it is a plea for greater cooperation between faiths and cultures in a world increasingly divided by sectarian conflict.

As Pope Leo XIV continues his journey through Lebanon, his visit to Turkey serves as a reminder of the Catholic Church's commitment to diplomacy and its evolving role on the global stage. The visit, which was marked by both religious observance and diplomatic overtures, illustrates the importance of these symbolic gestures in a time of rising global tensions. Pope Leo's first international tour promises to further solidify his position as a leader not only of Catholics but of global peace efforts.

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• Crowd braves rain to flock to Pope Leo's mass in Istanbul