Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has drawn attention to three Popes who prayed or meditated inside mosques, arguing that the examples demonstrate that God can be worshipped anywhere. Omokri made the remarks on Thursday, July 23, while sharing a photograph of himself at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco.
Pope John Paul II at the Umayyad Mosque
In his post on X, Omokri wrote: "Meditating at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, today. Unknown to many Christians, three Popes have prayed or meditated in mosques, including Pope John Paul II, who removed his shoes and entered the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on Sunday, May 6, 2001, and prayed inside. For 1300 years, John the Baptist has been honoured and buried inside the Umayyad Mosque!"
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis at the Blue Mosque
Omokri went on to name two other Catholic leaders who also observed moments of prayer or meditation in Islamic places of worship. According to Omokri, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis both spent time in reflection at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. He noted that Pope Francis prayed alongside the Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, during his visit to Turkey.
Call for Verification
Omokri concluded his message by encouraging readers to verify the historical accounts for themselves. He wrote: "Since then, two other Popes, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, have also observed moments of meditation in the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. In the case of Pope Francis, he prayed side by side with the Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, in Turkey's Blue Mosque. Please fact-check me."
Personal Reflection on Prayer
He also shared his personal view on prayer and faith, stating: "The Earth belongs to God, and there is absolutely no place in this realm where you will pray and God will not hear you." The post has attracted attention on social media, with many users discussing the history of papal visits to mosques and interfaith relations between Christians and Muslims.
