With a brief and absolutely neutral reference to the issue of Hagia Sophia, Pope Francis commented on what was happening in Constantinople, saying that he was… saddened.
During his Sunday sermon from the Vatican balcony to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said: “The sea takes my thoughts a little further: in Istanbul. I think of Hagia Sophia and I am very saddened.”
The Pope, who made several long pauses in his speech when he referred to Hagia Sophia, was applauded by the faithful present, but did not say anything more.