Is there a way to deselect all email messages in the mail app on iPad

When the Mail app on iPad is open, a message is always selected, and therefore its contents are displayed. Is there a way to deselect all messages so the view pane shows nothing, no email message? This way would allow browsing through new & existing messages without having the contents of any email displayed.

I know you can do this on Mac with Command+Click, but I can't find a way on iPad.

Thank you