piusv:
Well, I think God is big enough to understand what the Pope Did. His mere presence there was a reminder that Hagia Sophia was built by Eastern Christendom, not Muslims. And turning towards Mecca was not what the Pope was doing, if you read his writings, I am sure he was praying ad orientalem, which is an old Liturgical tradition of the Church. Something I would think you would know.
Taking off shoes while it is practice among Muslims is actually something that predates Islam, it is a common cultural thing to do in the Middle East and Asia Minor, again, from the Pope’s perspective, I don’t think he was agreeing with the Islamist.
Well we’re going to have to agree to disagree. Pre-Vatican II a lay person, let alone a pope (!), wouldn’t even consider praying in a mosque. What a scandalous act, one of many caused by post Vatican II popes.