The Pope “pained” by conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque
Pope Francis. Photo: forbes.ru
On July 12, 2020, Pope Francis broke the silence and declared he was “saddened” by the decision to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque, the publication Сruxnow.com reports.
Recalling the International Day of the Sea, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of July, Pope Francis in a traditional address to believers, said, “The sea carries my thoughts farther to Istanbul. I’m thinking of Santa Sofia ... I am very pained.”
The publication reports that "his brief commentary met with applause from the small group of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the occasion."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Phanar was disappointed by the silence of the Pope regarding Hagia Sophia.
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