Pope Leo wrapped up a visit to Turkey and Lebanon where he promoted interfaith dialogue in a region torn by sectarian conflict. The pope was honoring his predecessor Francis’s plans to travel to Iznik, the town in modern-day Turkey that hosted the Council of Nicaea, a gathering of church leaders that formalized the basic tenets of the faith that all Christian denominations subscribe to. This is the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

Prayer ⬇

When the pope declines to pray, he’s saying something. Leo turned down an invitation to pray at Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque, opting for quiet tour instead. Both Leo’s predecessors prayed at the mosque.

Hagia Sophia ⬇

Leo also skipped a visit to Istanbul’s most famous religious site. Popes Francis and Benedict had visited the Hagia Soph

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