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
WHO urges securing equal access to IVF for same-sex couples
WHO’s new recommendations substantially broaden the concept of infertility and open the door to widespread use of assisted reproduction, including for same-sex couples and transgender individuals.
In Kniazhychi, brotherhood defends their monastery from seizure
Parishioners and the brotherhood of the UOC Transfiguration Monastery in Kniazhychi succeeded in defending their sacred site from the attempts of security forces and raiders.
UOC Primate congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20 years of episcopal ordination
The Primate of the UOC sent greetings to Metropolitan Arseniy on the anniversary of his personal Pentecost.
UGCC urges faithful to be ready to lay down their lives for Ukraine
The UGCC hierarchs have published a letter to the faithful urging them to cleanse the country of Soviet methods of governance, military organization, and economic management.
Condition of Metropolitan Theodosiy shows first signs of recovery
For the first time since his hospitalization, the health indicators of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy have begun to improve.
Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5
The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.