BIDEN CALLS ON TURKISH GOVERNMENT NOT TO CHANGE STATUS OF HAGIA SOPHIA

Vice President Biden has issued a statement against the actions of the Turkish Government to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque.  The cultural treasure was build as a Christian cathedral.  After the fall of Constantinople, it was made a mosque and then at the end of the Ottoman Empire, it became a museum, open to all.  It retains great significance for many Christians, particularly Greek Orthodox.  Both Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew have made similar statements as Vice President Biden. 

On June 17th, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate wrote to Trump, begging him to personally put the weight of the US Government behind keeping it as a museum.  To date, Trump has made no statement on the matter.