The Catholic Church in Morocco is not a recent development. The country's first diocese was established in the 15th century.
FRIAR OMAR
Franciscan Missionary in Morocco
I believe that at this moment, the Catholic Church's relationship with the Kingdom of Morocco is one of respect, kindness, dialogue and cooperation in some cases.
Friar Omar resides in Tangier, where he carries out his pastoral and social mission.
His parishioners are exclusively foreigners. They are students who are there for a period of their formation. The rest of the population is Muslim and evangelization is complicated. But one point they agree on is social projects: from the cultural sector to centers where mothers and children at risk of social exclusion are sheltered.
FRIAR OMAR
Franciscan Missionary in Morocco
We intend to live our Christian and Catholic faith intensely every day. We meditate and reflect on our identity and, from this experience, we can enter into dialogue with the Moroccans who are Muslims. We can dialogue kindly and respectfully with them.
The Church tries to be available through actions and gestures. And if necessary, with words but above all with gestures.
All the clergy are religious. There are no diocesan clergymen in the Archdiocese of Tangier. Just over 10 religious serve in the parishes and their objective is to serve their communities.
FRIAR OMAR
Franciscan Missionary in Morocco
We want to establish a constant dialogue with others. We're working for the good of others, of so many Moroccans—children, young people, women and men by respecting their culture, their religion and above all living Christian charity with them.
The Archdiocese is about 8,000 square miles in size and is closely linked to the Franciscan Order. All of the bishops who have served in the archdiocese have been members of this order.
AM
TR: KG