Pope Leo XIV held prayers at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul on Sunday in a gesture of support for Christian unity and Christian minorities in Turkey, the Associated Press reports. According to the agency, Leo and Istanbul-based Armenian Patriarch Sahak II Mashalian processed into the Holy Mother of God Patriarchal Church in a cloud of incense as a male choir chanted for a service steeped in the church’s traditions, with some 500 Armenian worshipers in attendance. The service was followed by a brief dedication ceremony, where Leo unveiled a marble inscription in his honor. Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI all visited the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral during their respective visits to Istanbul. “The Papacy has long served as a moral compass, defending the dignity of every human being, championing peace, and giving voice to those who have none,” Patriarch Sahak said. “The Armenian people do not forget the Popes who raised their voice in our times of suffering, who stood with Christian communities in danger, and who upheld truth when the world hesitated.” Leo’s visit is one of several encounters in Turkey and Lebanon with the Armenian Christian faithful in a recognition of its deep roots in the region, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. “Clearly, the Armenian presence in Istanbul is an ancient one, a deeply rooted presence, a presence that is also evident in all the meetings held over the various days,” he told reporters.