Pope Francis arrived a few minutes before the scheduled time in Morocco. At Rabat airport, even though the weather was not favorable, he was received with honors by the country's authorities. The delegation was led by the Moroccan king, Mohammed VI, who greeted the pope affectionately.
Then, with Pope Francis in the popemobile and King Mohammed VI in another open vehicle, the two traveled about 10 kilometers together through the streets of Rabat to reach the Hassan Tower. It is the minaret, or tower that calls the Muslims to pray near the mosque that bears the same name. Hundreds of people braved the rain to receive the pope throughout the city streets.
The band of honor's music received Pope Francis and the king upon arriving at the Hassan Tower. The pope then greeted the country's authorities one-by-one.
Then King Mohammed VI delivered a speech in several languages, also in the pope's mother tongue, Spanish and also in English.
MOHAMMED VI
“Radicalism, whether it is motivated by religion or not, is due to failure to know one another, to ignorance of the other and to ignorance pure and simple. Knowing one another eliminates radicalism, all types of radicalism. Knowing one another is precisely what is going to help us to the challenges of our tormented times.”
After the king's words, Pope Francis delivered his first speech in Morocco. He began by thanking the people for such a warm welcome.
He wanted to highlight the importance of building bridges between different religions in order to build a better society. The pope said there is no room for any form of extremism.
POPE FRANCIS
'Therefore, to participate in the construction of an open, plural and solidary society, it is essential to constantly develop and assume a culture of dialogue as the way forward; collaboration, as behavior; and reciprocal knowledge, as method and criterion. In effect, fanaticism and fundamentalism must be countered by solidarity from all believers, founded on the lofty common values that inspire our actions.'
Pope Francis said that for interreligious dialogue to be authentic, it must be founded in mutual respect.
POPE FRANCIS
'That is why freedom of conscience and religious freedom – which is not limited to freedom of worship alone, but allows all to live in accordance with their religious convictions – are inseparably linked to human dignity. In this regard, there is a constant need to progress beyond mere tolerance to respect and esteem for others.'
The pope also spoke about immigration, aware that Morocco is a country of passage for many immigrants, especially those with sub-Saharan origin.
POPE FRANCIS
'The issue of migration will never be resolved by raising barriers, fomenting fear of others or denying assistance to those who legitimately aspire to a better life for themselves and their families.”
The pope's words led to a roaring applause. He then went to the building, Mausoleum of Mohammed V. It is named after the considered- founder of modern Morocco.
The pope took off his shoes to enter this monument where Hassan II, the former Moroccan king, and father of the current king are buried. After this wreath at the tomb, Pope Francis wrote a message in the book of honor. It is a reminder of this visit, a desire for prosperity for Morocco and that the country remains a common home for Christians and Muslims.
