The Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate has denied rumours that it was considering selling the Hagia Sophia to the Vatican calling it “a series of fake news and disinformation” which was making the rounds on social media, as Turkish media outlet Daily Sabah reports.

In a weekly bulletin against disinformation released Tuesday, the Directorate refuted the claims about a $38 billion deal with the Vatican for Hagia Sophia, stressing that such a thing was “impossible.”

“Do not heed baseless news that Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was sold or its restoration will last 50 years during which it will be closed,” the bulletin read.

Turkish authorities recently began a long-term restoration for the centuries-old Hagia Sophia, which was converted back into a mosque from a museum in a 2020 court ruling. The first phase will be completed in January 2024 and the second phase will be completed within three years, during which the mosque will be open to visitors and worshippers.