Interfaith Syncretism Masquerading as Catholic Charity in Istanbul
The Vatican News portal (November 27, 2025) reports on preparations for antipope Leo XIV’s visit to a Little Sisters of the Poor facility in Istanbul. The article emphasizes the sisters’ interfaith accommodation – maintaining both a Catholic chapel and Islamic masjid – while caring for 60 elderly residents of various religions. Sister Margaret states residents feel “honoured” by the visit regardless of religious affiliation, while Mother Mary Ignatius claims they “don’t make any difference with religion.” The report frames this pluralism as virtuous, quoting the sisters’ excitement about the “privilege” of hosting the antipope during “Thanksgiving time.”








