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
Most Britons oppose abortions, poll finds
The survey found that 62% of UK residents support legal protection for unborn children from the moment their heartbeat is first detected.
Annual academic conference opens at Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary
The fifteenth annual conference was dedicated to the anniversaries of Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrožský and Metropolitan Rafail (Zaborovský).
Feminists attack Roman Catholic churches in Latin America
During protest actions, members of radical groups attacked cathedrals in several Latin American countries, assaulted police officers, and threw paint at believers.
UOC hierarch takes part in German bishops’ conference
Bishop Veniamin of Boyarka took part in the OBKD assembly in Düsseldorf.
Ivano-Frankivsk scraps school project planned on demolished UOC church site
The authorities in Ivano-Frankivsk have dropped plans to build the school for whose construction a UOC church was demolished.
Shostatsky to UOC: If you are so righteous – do not cling to your churches
The OCU metropolitan called on UOC faithful and clergy to pray rather than defend their churches from seizures.