Pope Leo XIV Visits Istanbul’s Blue Mosque in Historic Interfaith Gesture


Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque early on Saturday, marking the third day of his trip to Turkey and his first visit to a Muslim place of worship since becoming leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in May.

The visit carries deep symbolic significance, placing Leo XIV in the footsteps of his predecessors—Pope Benedict XVI, who visited the mosque in 2006, and Pope Francis, who did the same in 2014.

The Blue Mosque, famous for its cascading domes, six majestic minarets, and interior adorned with striking blue Iznik tiles, remains one of Istanbul’s most treasured landmarks.

As is customary, Pope Leo removed his shoes before stepping onto the mosque’s burnt orange carpet, entering in white socks — a gesture observers jokingly noted may have been a nod to his favorite baseball team, the Chicago White Sox.
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European Union pledges support for Nigeria amid possible U.S. military action reports; signals readiness to enhance security cooperation.

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria, emphasizing respect for the country’s sovereignty and a focus on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the EU’s stance is independent and based on a long-standing partnership and shared values with Nigeria.

He assured that the EU and its member states would continue to uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty while supporting victims of violence, authorities protecting citizens, and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious communities.

Mignot highlighted the EU’s readiness to boost support in security and defence, working with civil society, traditional leaders, and religious organizations. He cited ongoing programs on deradicalization, demobilisation, and reintegration of former members of non-state armed groups in the North-East.

The ambassador stressed protection for minorities and religious freedom, noting that while challenges remain, Nigeria’s legal framework supports human rights. He said EU assistance is non-discriminatory, covering all victims of violence, and reinforced interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence initiatives.

He added that EU-Nigeria cooperation is based on mutual interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic country, with plans for a security and defence dialogue to deepen strategic collaboration.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump threatened military action over alleged anti-Christian violence, labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and warning that aid could be cut if attacks on Christians continue.

Nigerian NSA, service chiefs hold emergency meeting over trump’s military action warning

The national security adviser, nuhu ribadu, on monday held an emergency meeting with service chiefs and security heads in abuja following u.s. president donald trump’s warning of possible military intervention in nigeria.

Security sources said the meeting focused on assessing the security and diplomatic implications of trump’s remarks and preparing a unified national response. according to reports, the nsa urged all agencies to strengthen intelligence coordination and reinforce nigeria’s sovereignty.

Presidential aide daniel bwala maintained that the united states cannot conduct any military operation in nigeria without president bola tinubu’s approval.

Reacting to the controversy, president tinubu dismissed trump’s comments as a misrepresentation of nigeria’s religious situation.

He reiterated that nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship and equality for all faiths, adding that his administration continues to work with christian and muslim leaders to promote peace.

Tinubu emphasized that nigeria opposes any form of religious persecution and remains committed to interfaith harmony. he also pledged to engage diplomatically with the u.s. and international partners to build understanding and cooperation.

Despite this, trump insisted that u.s. military action “remains on the table,” saying america will not stand by while christians are attacked.

The office of the national security adviser is expected to issue a formal statement outlining nigeria’s official position and next steps after the high-level meeting.

FG refutes Trump’s claim of christian persecution.

The Federal Government has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” following his claim that Christianity is facing an existential threat in the country.

Trump, in a statement on Friday, alleged that thousands of Christians were being killed by radical Islamists in Nigeria and directed U.S. lawmakers to investigate the situation. “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter… something must be done!” he said.

Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government said Trump’s remarks do not reflect the reality on the ground.

The statement emphasized that Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.

It further noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the rights and lives of all citizens. The government added that it will continue to engage constructively with the United States to deepen understanding and cooperation on peace and security issues.

I have never tried to convince my wife, who’s a pastor, to convert from Christianity to Islam — President Tinubu discloses as he urges Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, love, and tolerance across religious divides, stressing that h+tred should never be an option in the nation’s quest for unity.

Speaking during a condolence message, the President said that the teachings of love and mutual respect should form the foundation of human relationships, regardless of faith or background.

“Hate is not an option for us; love is what we preach that we should love one another. Nobody can deter what God has ordained. God’s ordained actions and prophecies are what matter,” Tinubu said.

The President, who spoke about his interfaith marriage, explained that he was born into an Islamic family but has never allowed religion to create division in his home. “I inherited Islam from my family and I didn’t change, but my wife is a pastor and she prays for me.

There’s no confl+ct, and I have never at any time tried to convince her to convert to Islam. I believe in freedom of religion because we are praying to the same God. We are answerable to the same Almighty, and our deeds and character will be judged by Him. How we treat our fellow beings is what truly matters,” he said.

Tinubu concluded by offering prayers for the repose of the late Lydia’s soul, asking God to grant her eternal rest and bless all she left behind. “To Almighty God, we pray to accept the soul of Lydia and give all that she left behind blessing and glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he added.

FETO terrorist organization still maintains its activities – Türkiye warns Nigeria.

The Turkish government has issued a warning that members of the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), a group classified as a terrorist organization, are present in Nigeria and are also active in various countries worldwide.

Mehmet Poroy, the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, revealed this on Tuesday night in Abuja during a dinner hosted by the Turkish Embassy to commemorate Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony is held annually to mark the July 15, 2016 failed coup in Türkiye, which was allegedly orchestrated by the so-called FETO terrorists.

The Turkish government stated that the coup was effectively suppressed thanks to the united resistance of its patriotic security forces and citizens, who stood against the uprising targeting President Recep Erdoğan’s administration.

Ambassador Poroy noted that members of the Gülen movement, which orchestrated the coup, continue to be apprehended around the world, and as such, their presence in any country represents a significant threat to national security.

“They are still being captured and arrested today. The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates.

“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still maintains its activities in Nigeria, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.

“We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organisation, and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious,” Poroy said.

The Turkish envoy said that, through international cooperation, Turkiye has been able to successfully disrupt many FETO cells and networks operating in allied countries around the world.

He stated that many institutions, particularly schools that were part of FETO’s global network, have now been taken over by Turkish organizations.

He, however, stressed that the group’s international structures have not been fully dismantled globally.

“The fact that new investigations and arrests into the organisation continue to be launched demonstrates the need for this struggle to be pursued with unwavering determination.

“In several countries, including Nigeria, FETO continues to pump its operations under the presence of humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue.

“You must not forget that behind this humanitarian appearance lies an organisation that seeks to infiltrate the political and bureaucratic institutions of host countries,” Poroy warned.

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