Pope 'very pained' by decision to turn Istanbul's Hagia Sophia museum into mosque
“My thoughts go to Istanbul. I think of Santa Sophia and I am very pained,” he said

Pope Francis speaks at a conference hosted by the Vatican on economic solidarity, at the Vatican, February 5, 2020. Photo: REUTERS/Remo Casilli
Pope Francis said on Sunday he was hurt by Turkey's decision to make Istanbul's Hagia Sophia museum a mosque, the latest religious leader to condemn the move.
"My thoughts go to Istanbul. I think of Santa Sophia and I am very pained," he said during his weekly blessing in St Peter's Square.