Pope Francis prays in Turkey mosque

Pope Francis stood Saturday for two minutes of silent prayer facing east in one of Turkey’s most important mosques, a powerful vision of Christian-Muslim understanding at a time when neighboring countries are experiencing violent Islamic assault on Christians and religious minorities.

 

His head bowed, eyes closed and hands clasped in front of him, Pope Francis prayed alongside the Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, in the 17th-century Sultan Ahmet mosque, shifting gears to religious concerns on the second day of his three-day visit to Turkey.

 

“May God accept it,” Yaran told the Pope of their prayer.

 

Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi called it a moment of “silent adoration.” Lombardi said Francis told the mufti twice that Christians and Muslims must “adore” God and not just praise and glorify him.

Read More: Pope Francis prays in Turkey mosque in gesture of Muslim outreach – World – CBC News.