Biden calls on Erdogan to reverse decision to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque

Joe Biden and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: twitter.com/molodyko

U.S. presidential candidate from the Democratic Party Joe Biden called on Turkish President Recep Erdogan to reverse his decision to turn the Hagia Sophia from a museum into a mosque, reports “The National Herald”.

According to Biden, “the Hagia Sophia is an architectural marvel and treasured holy site for people of many faiths. For the last 85 years, the Hagia Sophia has been a museum, allowing people from around the world to visit, admire, and pray in this holy space, which since 1985 has also had the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site”.

The Democratic presidential nominee wrote that he deeply regretted the Turkish government’s decision to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque and urged Turkish President Recep Erdogan to reverse his decision and instead “keep this treasured place in its current status as a museum, ensuring equal access for all”.

As reported earlier, The U.S. Department of State is disappointed with Turkey’s decision to change the museum status of the Hagia Sophia.

 

Read also

In Peru, RCC bishops and LGBT members participate in Pachamama worship ritual

Two Catholic bishops, a Vatican official representative, and gay community members performed a pagan ritual in Peru.

UNICEF discusses humanitarian situation with Jerusalem hierarch in Gaza

A UNICEF delegation visited the Monastery of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza, which is under the jurisdiction of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Three novices tonsured at Vilshanka Convent

Archbishop Jonah (Cherepanov) tonsured three novices at a UOC convent in the Kyiv region.

‘Silent disco’ held at Canterbury Cathedral in England

An event featuring 1980s music at Canterbury Cathedral has drawn sharp criticism from British Christians.

FAVOR foundation provides food to UOC community for meals for those in need

The charitable foundation provided assistance to the meal distribution point at the Elijah Church in Sumy.

Metropolitan Volodymyr blesses cross and domes for UOC church in Kamianske

The Kamianske Eparchy blessed domes and a cross for the Church of St. Agapitus of the Kyiv Caves, currently under construction.