Pope Francis Prays in Turkish Mosque

Pope Francis today took part in a Muslim prayer with the Grand Mufti of Istanbul on his second leg of his three day visit to Turkey.

Pope Francis was alongside the Grand Mufti side to side today and clasped his hands for a two minute silent prayer in the 17th-century Sultan Ahmet mosque, aiming to show respect for Islam and encourage stronger ties between the two faiths.

“May God accept it,” Rahmi Yaran, the Grand Mufti of Istanbul told the pope at the end of the prayer.

Lots of children and wellwishers waived Turkish and Vatican flags and chanted “Long live Pope Francis” as the pope cheerfully left the mosque.

Pictures below…