Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque: A Gesture of Respect Amid Theological Boundaries

Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque: A Gesture of Respect Amid Theological Boundaries

On November 29, 2025, during his inaugural apostolic journey to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in history, made headlines with his visit to the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque—better known as the Blue Mosque—in Istanbul. This 17th-century architectural marvel, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers, has long served as a symbol of Ottoman grandeur and Islamic devotion. Accompanied by the mosque's imam and Istanbul's mufti, the Pope bowed slightly upon arrival, removed his shoes as a customary sign of respect, and toured the interior in his white socks for approximately 20 minutes. He admired the soaring tiled domes and intricate Arabic inscriptions, even sharing light-hearted moments with his guides, including the lead muezzin, Askin Musa Tunca. However, the visit took an unexpected turn when Tunca invited Leo to join in prayer, describing the space as "Allah's house." The Pope politely declined, opting instead for quiet contemplation and observation, stating he simply wished to "look around" and experience the atmosphere.

This moment marked a subtle departure from the precedents set by Leo's immediate predecessors. Pope John Paul II's 2001 visit to a mosque in Damascus was groundbreaking as the first by a pontiff, though he did not pray. Pope Benedict XVI, in 2006, paused for a moment of silent prayer alongside Istanbul's grand mufti amid efforts to mend fences after his controversial Regensburg lecture. Pope Francis, during his 2014 trip to the same Blue Mosque, bowed his head in shared silence with Muslim leaders. Leo's refusal to pray, while maintaining an air of profound respect, underscored a deliberate restraint in an era of heightened interfaith sensitivities.

 Commentary: The Optics of Papal Prayer in a Mosque

Pope Leo's decision not to pray in the Blue Mosque can be read as a masterstroke of diplomatic nuance, particularly when viewed through the lens of optics. In an age where images travel instantaneously across global media, a Pope visibly engaging in prayer within a mosque—however silent or ecumenical—risks being misconstrued as a blurring of doctrinal lines. For Catholics, the Vicar of Christ represents the unbroken succession from St. Peter, embodying the fullness of Christian revelation centered on the Trinity and the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. To kneel or bow in a space dedicated to Islamic worship could be interpreted by conservative faithful as an implicit endorsement of theological relativism, suggesting that all faiths lead equally to God. This is especially fraught given historical tensions, such as the Crusades or modern Islamist persecutions of Christians, which still linger in collective memory.

From a broader geopolitical standpoint, the optics could fuel narratives of Western capitulation in Muslim-majority regions like Turkey, where President Erdoğan's government has increasingly emphasized Islamic identity. A prayerful image might embolden critics within the Islamic world to demand further concessions, while alienating evangelical allies in the U.S., where Leo's American roots could amplify scrutiny. By choosing reflection over ritual, Leo preserved the visit's interfaith goodwill—echoing the Vatican's post-visit statement of "deep respect for the place and the faith of those gathered there"—without compromising the Church's unique salvific mission. It was a refusal born not of disdain, but of fidelity: prioritizing eternal truths over ephemeral photo opportunities that might erode the Church's witness in a pluralistic world.

 The Shoe Removal: A Well-Intentioned Act, Yet a Misstep in Dignity

Paradoxically, while Leo's refusal to pray safeguarded doctrinal clarity, his removal of shoes—leaving him to pad about in socks—invites criticism as an unnecessary diminishment of his office. As the Vicar of Christ, the Pope enters any space not as a mere visitor, but as the visible shepherd of over 1.3 billion Catholics, carrying the weight of Petrine authority. To disrobe his footwear in deference to local custom, however polite, symbolically subordinates that sacred role to the norms of another tradition. It evokes a humility that borders on self-effacement, reducing the successor to the fisherman-apostle to the level of a tourist in a foreign hall.

This gesture, intended as cultural sensitivity, inadvertently disrespects the Pope's inherent dignity. In Christian theology, sacred spaces are consecrated by the presence of Christ and the sacraments, not by architectural protocols or ablutions. By yielding his shoes, Leo risks portraying the papacy as adaptable to the point of dilution, potentially undermining the Church's claim to universal truth. More pointedly, it validates the mosque as a "sacred" precinct in a way that elevates a mere building—adorned though it may be with human artistry—above its status as a human construct. Mosques, like churches or synagogues, are venues for worship, but their sanctity derives from the intentions of the faithful, not an intrinsic holiness that demands ritual purification from outsiders. Leo's compliance here concedes ground unnecessarily, implying that the Blue Mosque's tiled floors possess a reverence warranting such accommodation, when, from a Catholic vantage, no edifice rivals the living temple of the Eucharist or the human soul. A firmer stance—perhaps entering shod while offering verbal respect—might have balanced courtesy with conviction, affirming that true interfaith dialogue honors differences without performative concessions.

In the end, Leo's visit exemplifies the tightrope of modern pontificate: fostering peace without forsaking principle. Yet it leaves room for reflection on where accommodation ends and authentic witness begins.

 Sources

- CNN: "Pope Leo removes shoes but does not appear to pray in first mosque visit" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/29/europe/pope-leo-istanbul-blue-mosque-intl)

- Reuters: "Pope removes shoes but doesn't pray on visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/pope-removes-shoes-doesnt-pray-visit-istanbuls-blue-mosque-2025-11-29/)

- NBC News: "Pope removes shoes but doesn't pray on visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/pope-leo-xiv/pope-removes-shoes-pray-visit-istanbul-blue-mosque-rcna246413)

- Fox News: "Pope Leo XIV tours Blue Mosque in Istanbul but declines to pray inside" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://www.foxnews.com/world/pope-visits-istanbuls-blue-mosque-without-praying-he-focuses-unifying-christians)

- Breitbart: "Pope Leo Declines to Pray at Istanbul's Blue Mosque" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/11/29/pope-leo-declines-to-pray-at-istanbuls-blue-mosque-during-apostolic-visit-to-turkey/)

- AP News: "Pope Leo XIV visits Istanbul's Blue Mosque and strengthens Orthodox ties" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-turkey-visit-blue-mosque-christian-0774b9b59eb773a535e01390e2efe6eb)

- DW: "Pope Leo visits Turkey's Blue Mosque but does not pray" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://www.dw.com/en/pope-leo-visits-turkeys-blue-mosque-but-does-not-pray/a-74953621)

- Gulf News: "Pope Leo XIV removes shoes but declines to pray in visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/pope-leo-xiv-removes-shoes-declines-to-pray-in-visit-istanbuls-blue-mosque-1.500364393)

- Crux: "Pope Leo visits Istanbul's famed 'Blue Mosque', does not pray" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2025/11/pope-leo-visits-istanbuls-famed-blue-mosque-does-not-pray)

- The Business Standard: "Pope removes shoes but doesn't pray on visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque" (November 29, 2025). [Link](https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/europe/pope-removes-shoes-doesnt-pray-visit-istanbuls-blue-mosque-1298181)

Baby's Inoperable Tumor Shrinks After Pope Francis Kisses Her Head

Joey and Kristen Masciantonio, a young married coupled joined the massive crowds in Philadelpha in September in order to hopefully catch a glimpse of the Holy Father Pope Francis as his motorcade passed by during the Papal Visit to the USA.

They brought along with them their precious baby girl named Gianna. She was named after a saint who died in 1962 and whose living daughter was present and met the baby girl. With the massive crowds, Joey and Kristen were not expecting to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis moreless what was about to happen as they stood there.

Inspector General of the Corpo della Gendarmeria, Domenico Giani who is often seen next to the pope protecting him approached them and took baby Gianna to the pope.  The pope kissed the baby girl on the back of her head while in the popemobile. I emphasize the location because baby Gianna had a brain tumor in that area around the brain stem and medulla.  This tumor was declared inoperable by medical professionals and other treatment options were not possible because Giannna's own blood cells attacked her brain stems.

Well, after two months, MRI scans show that the tumor shrinked and virtually disappeared.  Baby Gianna is recovering and doing much better.  Doctors and others are baffled at the occurence and describe the event as a miracle from God performed via Pope Francis as he kissed baby Gianna's head.  Hopefully this will show non-believers that miracles do happen, as well as Protestants and even those catholics in the Catholic Church that Pope Francis is not an anti-pope, anti-Christ or heretic.

Let us continue to pray for baby Gianna who will have a long life ahead of her.  God is good!  God bless Pope Francis and St. Gianna.







Source:

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/11/20/philadelphia-babys-brain-tumor-shrinks-after-kiss-from-pope/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

http://www.phillyvoice.com/philadelphia-babys-tumor-shrinks-after-kiss-pope-francis/

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/family-believes-pope-kiss-helped-shrink-baby-brain-tumor-article-1.2443228

Holy Confusion Batman! - Pope Francis & Kim Davis

Never in my lifetime both as an atheist and Catholic have I seen a Vatican that was so ambiguous in its communication than now. In the past, the Vatican was careful with how it conducted "business" with the outside world including how the Pope interacted with others.

One would never see St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI or any of their predecessors photographed or even having a meeting with someone who is publicly and aggressively at odds with the Church.  Today, pro-abortion nuns, transgender people and others are meeting with the Pope at the Vatican and elsewhere.  Recently, reports that Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis met with the Pope were circulating on social media.  The lawyers for Davis claimed that the Pope requested to meet her. Immediately, many voiced their skepticism of this meeting. Others became upset with the Pope for meeting a "homophobe."  However, Davis released photos of papal rosaries given to her and Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi acknowledged that there was a meeting but would not go into detail.  Within a few days, Lombardi had a news conference and clarified that the meeting between the Pope and Kim Davis was not in support of her position; namely, her stance on religious freedom and conscientious objection.

"The brief meeting between Mrs. Kim Davis and Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC has continued to provoke comments and discussion. In order to contribute to an objective understanding of what transpired I am able to clarify the following points:
Pope Francis met with several dozen persons who had been invited by the nunciature to greet him as he prepared to leave Washington for New York City. Such brief greetings occur on all papal visits and are due to the pope’s characteristic kindness and availability. The only real audience granted by the pope at the nunciature was with one of his former students and his family. The pope did not enter into the details of the situation of Mrs. Davis and his meeting with her should not be considered a form of support of her position in all of its particular and complex aspects."  Fr. Lombardi's statement 

Lombardi downplayed the meeting as just a brief greeting, nothing more.  He stated that the real audience was with a former student of the Pope and his family.  What Lombardi left out was that this "family" is a gay union.  This student of the Pope has a male lover. They even posted a video of the meeting with the Pope hugging both gay men.

Raw video: Pope Met with Gay Former Student in DC https://t.co/7qOlWd8WbB via @YouTube

— meta (@metaquest) October 3, 2015

Video: #PopeFrancis met w/ gay couple (one is HH's former student) in official private audience http://t.co/GP2Ngdha9F #PopeInDC #PopeInUSA

— Tuyet N. T. (@tatn) October 3, 2015

There are a lot of things to look at here that I do not even know where to begin.  The confusion with this whole matter is just absurd.

• First it is said that the Pope requested the meeting with Davis and told her "be strong."  
• Next, it is said that no such meeting happened.  If he did meet with her and told her "be strong," to what was he referring to?  What is she to be strong against?  
• Then it is said that it did happen but that the Pope does not support Davis.  However, the Pope took time to meet the Little Sisters of the Poor which was interpreted as a form of support after they have been back and forth in US courts over "obamacare.  
• So what exactly does the Pope support?  Again, why did he allegedly tell Davis to "be strong?"  If a meeting is not support, then what is?  

Fr. Rosica stated that one has to ask the Washington Nuncio as to why Kim Davis was invited to greet the Pope in a dismissive tone.  No one seems to know anything concretely.  Moreover, Lombardi stated that the real audience with the Pope was the one with the student who is gay and has a male partner.  He said it as if it was not scandalous. It strikes me odd because before the Pope came to the United States, Obama had selected members of the LGBT community and a pro-abortion nun to meet Pope Francis.  The Vatican had issue with this, but apparently this meeting with a gay couple was no big deal.

What is going on?  Is the Vatican now supporting same-sex unions?  Is the Vatican against religious freedom and conscientious objection?

I understand that the Pope wants us to be merciful and reach out, but what is he doing to call these people to repentance?  In the Sacrament of Penance, we receive mercy but also are called to avoid the repeating the sins we have committed and were absolved from.  The Pope has shown mercy to these LGBT people, so where is the call to them to repent and live chaste lives?  The actions of the Vatican and even the Pope are putting us Catholics against each other. One side is saying that the Church is changing and the other side is saying that it is becoming apostate. Again, what is going on?  How can I as a future priest, apologist and evangelist or other Catholics teach the faith that calls us to have mercy and also admonish the sinner when we have our leaders seemingly turning a blind eye to those who are publicly and proudly sinning?

The Anglican/Episcopal denominations already tried the mercy without repentance tactic and both are dissolving as I write this.  England's archbishop of Canterbury is in talks to dissolve the denomination into a confederation of groups in order to stay alive.  Is this what is in store for the Catholic Church?

This whole thing is troubling indeed.  I have people telling me that I am wrong for telling LGBT people to live chastely because Pope Francis has not judged them and that I should not "judge them" as well.  The Catholics who are preaching the Gospel and teaching the catechism are now being accused of being heretical and "bad Catholics."  What is going on?  I feel like a messenger who gave a message and then the one who sent me to give the message changed it making me look bad or like I have just given a bad message.

Moreover, many honest people wanted to meet the Pope during his visit. My own nephew sent him two letters, one to the Vatican and another to the nunciature in Manhattan, New York.  He has not heard one peep out of the Vatican or the Pope.  Not even a birthday greeting since the Pope came during his birthday. Yet, the Vatican and Pope makes the time to call and meet with people who are openly defying God's law and making a mockery out of him.

Something has to give at the Vatican and with the Papacy.  Pope Francis needs to explain what this mercy thing he preaches really means.  All this time I thought it was meeting the sinner where he or she is at, forgiving him or her and telling him or her to sin no more.  I thought it was was a call to follow what Ephesians 4:24 says and what the late Cardinal Egan used as his motto, "and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."  Rest assured the Vatican and Pope Francis will be getting a strongly worded letter from myself.  I advise other Catholics to do the same.  This misguided compassion and mercy that leads to endorsement of sin must end now.

UPDATE OCTOBER 3 2015:
According to new reports, the gay former student of Pope Francis is an atheist named Yayo Grassi.  Grassi claims that the Pope called him three weeks before the trip to the USA and that he knew of his gay relationship but never said anything negative, not even one comment.  Grassi stated that he wanted the world to see who the Pope really is.  


Source:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/02/us/pope-gay-washington/

http://www.attn.com/stories/3454/pope-francis-same-sex-couple

Breaking: Vatican says Pope's meeting with Kim Davis is NOT to be considered a "form of support of her position..." http://t.co/YkDfYAbLlb

— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) October 2, 2015

#KimDavis & Joe Davis waited in a room at Vatican embassy & took pictures before Pope arrived w/ photographers. pic.twitter.com/gt3UBKz1PB

— Liberty Counsel (@libertycounsel) October 2, 2015

Vatican denies Kim Davis' meeting with Pope Francis indicates support http://t.co/XaNbGf1jjy pic.twitter.com/4k1kIUjDXI

— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) October 2, 2015

'Sense of regret' in Vatican over pope meeting with gay marriage opponent: http://t.co/nhcLs8axDx pic.twitter.com/2qjkDxe7Ap

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) October 2, 2015

Vatican official says there is "a sense of regret" that Pope Francis met with Kim Davis: http://t.co/5ZcAYUT6mL pic.twitter.com/OWxpyi0bpY

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) October 2, 2015

BREAKING: Vatican confirms pope met with gay former student and his partner in new twist to Davis affair.

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 2, 2015

Source:

http://www.news.va/en/news/holy-see-press-office-issues-statement-on-popes-me

http://news.yahoo.com/vatican-popes-visit-davis-not-form-support-092505075.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory&soc_trk=tw

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/02/us/pope-gay-washington/index.html

https://www.yahoo.com/politics/the-real-story-behind-the-1269547693457462.html

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-vatican-confirms-pope-met-with-kim-davis-

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/world/europe/pope-francis-kim-davis-meeting.html?smid=tw-nytimesworld&smtyp=cur&_r=0

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/10/02/vatican-pope-francis-kim-davis-meeting/

http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/vatican-clarifies-circumstances-on-popes-meeting-with-kim-davis?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NCRegisterDailyBlog+National+Catholic+Register#When%3A2015-10-2+14%3A07%3A01

http://papalvisit.americamedia.org/2015/10/02/the-vatican-popes-meeting-with-kim-davis-not-an-endorsement/

Speaker Boehner Resigns

Speaker of the House John Boehner announced that he would be resigning by the end of October. The move came as a shock to many, especially in the GOP. Some believe that perhaps the Pope's visit to Congress had an effect on him.  He visibly cried inside of the House chambers as well as on the Speaker's balcony. However, political pundits believe he resigned after pressure from a more conservative faction in the GOP which wanted him to push for legislation that defunded Planned Parenthood or shut down the government if the defunding did not take place.

Boehner has been in office since 2011 and have received a lot of criticism for now being able to stop Obama from pushing his agenda on the American people. He has tried to stifle Obama's plans but has failed to do so. Even after Republicans took both the House and Senate, Boehner has not been able to lead republicans in stopping Obama's agendas and making a Republican accomplishment stand out.







Source:


http://www.dailyamerican.com/news/local/somerset/speaker-boehner-resigns-from-congress-victory-for-tea-party/image_bf87bc0c-84f0-5db8-9d6c-4c3d510fcf9c.html

http://www.wvnstv.com/story/30115489/breaking-gop-lawmakers-house-speaker-john-boehner-to-step-down-end-of-october

http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20150925/bulletin-us-house-speaker-john-boehner-to-resign-end-of-october

Super Blood Moon & NASA's Mars Announcement

A super "blood moon" is visible the night of September 27 into the 28th for many parts of the world.  It is called a "blood moon" because of the reddish hue that the Moon takes on as the Earth aligns with the Sun eclipsing the Moon with a reddish tone of light.  This Moon is called "super" because it will appear about 14% larger than normal.  The last one to take place was in 1982 and it will occur again in 2033.

Already some lunatics (pun intended) are making up stories of doom in relation to the lunar eclipse (see: Joel 2:31 in the Bible). They are highlighting that previous lunar eclipses have occurred on Jewish holidays.  They see this as a coincidence indicating that somehow these events have some meaning that is Biblical or relating to the Jewish-Christian God. What they fail to tell you is that the lunar eclipses occurred on Jewish holidays is because the Jews created their calendar based on the Moon's cycle! Nothing magical or terrifying is going to happen.

Similarly, others are linking the Pope's visit to the United States as having to relation to the "end times."  Some are claiming that the Pope is the beast from Revelation who is making friends with the governments of the world (Obama/Castro) and is creating a one world religion/government.  This of course is nonsense.  Cuban officials have shown no signs of becoming Catholic and Obama's White House invited individuals who the Vatican had issue to; namely, openly gay dissidents. This does not sound like a cozy relationship that will usher a one world religion-government thing does it?  I think not...

Nevertheless, some fanatics have over-active imaginations and love to create all kinds of stories in order to give themselves importance.

Mars News:

NASA is expected to give a big announcement in a few hours on NASA TV.  Some are speculating that life was finally discovered on Mars.  There are many You Tube videos claiming to show rodents, lizards, "face-grabbers," crabs, a woman etc on Mars.  However, these can be dismissed as pareidolia.  The announcement NASA is expected to give is most likely related to what appears to be flowing water on Mars.  If this is in fact true, then this increases the odds of finding life on Mars, especially at the microbial level.  I will update this when the announcement is official made.  Stay tuned!  This will be exciting.




Source:

http://wtvr.com/2015/09/27/super-blood-moon-total-eclipse/

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/26/science/super-blood-moon-to-make-last-appearance-until-2033.html?_r=0

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2015/09/24/blood-moon/#.VgjDBdJViko

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/27/us/mars-nasa-announcement/

http://fox6now.com/2015/09/27/wondering-about-nasas-mars-mystery-a-little-googling-may-solve-the-puzzle/

https://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/09/news_may_bring_us_closer_to_mars_life

http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/speculation-of-water-alien-life-as-nasa-set-to-reveal-major-mars-discovery-1.2583779

Pope In NYC

After a long day in Washington D.C., the Holy Father Pope Francis reached New York City at around 4 P.M.  He landed at JFK airport in Queen and came to Manhattan via a presidential helicopter.  From there, he got in his famous Fiat car and rode down Fifth Avenue to St. Patrick's Cathedral.  At the cathedral, he led vespers but surprised everyone by acknowledging Muslims, their holiday and the stampede at Mecca which took over 700 lives. During the reflection, he spoke about the important of religious sisters and said that he loved them and that the Church would be lost without them.  It was a great experience for me and I am looking forwards to the Papal Mass tomorrow at Madison Square Garden.

Please send me your prayer requests at hashtag #sacerdotus on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ and I will join them to my own prayers during the Mass.  I will also be taking Rosaries to have them blessed.  They will be available for a donation (to help with mailing) on my site soon.  I only have about 200 though. 

Pope Francis Arrives in the USA

Pope Francis has arrived in America!

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has arrived at Washington DC, in the United States of America after three days in Cuba.  He was greeted by president Obama who broke with protocol by going to greet him at Andrews Airport.  The Pope has a long schedule ahead.  Let us pray for our Holy Father and that the Holy Spirit will move Americans back to Jesus Christ.  America needs to be "Under God" once again!

Pope Arrives in Cuba

The Holy Father Pope Francis has arrived at Cuba and gave some remarks at the Jose Marti International Airport.  He urged Presidents Obama and Castro to continuing the dialog and reconciliation between both nations. Cuba where the majority is Catholic.  However, the nation has suffered from Communism which has pushed its atheistic beliefs on the people.  The Castro regime took possession of many Catholic properties and restricted religious freedom.  After Saint Pope John Paul II visited, more freedom was allowed including the celebration of Christmas. Even more restrictions were removed after the visit of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Let us pray for our Holy Father to have a successful and safe trip to Cuba.  May the Cross of Christ continue to chip chunks off the concrete of atheism that has held down the Cuban people.

Source:

http://news.yahoo.com/pope-offers-solidarity-cuba-highlights-hispanics-us-062301266.html

http://news.yahoo.com/pope-offers-solidarity-cuba-highlights-hispanics-us-062301266.html


UPDATE: September 21, 2015


Pope Francis addressed the Cuban people the best he could.  The Cuban government handpicked who could participate in the Papal Masses and other events. Dissidents were detained before they could even reach any of the events.  Pope Francis called for a "revolution of tenderness" in a nation that was built by Catholicism but was over run by atheistic Communism.  He challenged the youth to not be afraid of change and to be hopeful.  An interesting observation was president Raul Castros' behavior.  He attended every event and was following the Pope like a school friend following the "cool kid."  The atmosphere seemed different.  Could Communism be on the way out?  Only time will tell.  However, the Pope stressed the importance of Catholicism on the island and how it built the nation.  Atheism did a lot of damage to the culture and morale of the people.  It was the Catholic Church that kept the people's spirits alive.

Let us continue to pray for the Cuban people and for our Pope who is now in America.  God's grace must work in the hearts of the Castro regime.  Where sin abounds, graces abounds even more (Romans 5:20).

You can read the Papal texts here:  http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2015/outside/documents/papa-francesco-cuba-usa-onu-2015.html