Pope Francis in Istanbul
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has arrived in Istanbul on the second day of his Apostolic Voyage to Turkey, where he was greeted by the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I and Governor of Istanbul.
While the highlight of this three day trip is undoubtedly his meeting Saturday afternoon with Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Pope began his day with a guided visit to the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque. He was greeted by the Grand Mufti and Imam before entering the Mosque.
From there he travelled to the historic Hagia Sophia, or Saint Sophia Museum. He is the third Pope to visit the UNESCO world heritage site. After admirning teh beauty of the basilica he signed the visitors book, writing: “Quam dilecta tabernacula tua Domine (Psalmus 83). Contemplating the beauty and harmony of this sacred place, my soul rises to the Almighty, source and origin of all beauty, and I ask the Almighty to always guide the hearts of humanity on the path of truth, goodness and peace”.