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.
Read also
WCC Demands 'Protection' for St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai
The WCC also passed resolutions on the Armenian Genocide and the terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus.
Russian Orthodox Church Provides Aid to Earthquake Victims
Volunteers from the Petropavlovsk and Kamchatka Diocese are providing food and aid at the Holy Trinity Cathedral’s humanitarian warehouse to support residents affected by a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake in Kamchatka.
Serbian Patriarch Slams 'Undemocratic' Ruling Against Republika Srpska Leader
Patrarch Porfirije condemned the verdict as "unlawful and undemocratic." He is a vocal supporter of autonomy for Bosnian Serbs.
World's Most Premature Baby Celebrates First Birthday
Iowa NICU defies “impossible” odds to save boy born at 21 weeks.
Court Extends Detention of Metropolitan Arseny by Two Months — Again
Defense Prepares Appeal as Legal Irregularities Surround Continued Imprisonment of UOC Hierarch