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Rabat — Morocco’s King Mohammed VI sent earlier today warm congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square.
In his message, the Moroccan monarch emphasized the “centuries-old bonds of esteem and brotherly understanding” connecting Morocco and the Holy See.
King Mohammed VI specifically pointed out Morocco and the Holy Sea’s commitment to peace and harmonious coexistence.
“The Kingdom, a land of fraternal coexistence of monotheistic religions, works tirelessly to promote solidarity and harmony between peoples and civilizations,” the King said in his message.
The monarch further expressed his desire to strengthen the “privileged ties” between Morocco and the Vatican, particularly to enhance Muslim-Christian dialogue “based on universal human values and precepts common to monotheistic religions.”
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch represented King Mohammed VI at Sunday’s ceremony, joining other world leaders for Pope Leo XIV’s investiture.
Following the Mass, Akhannouch personally greeted the new Pope during a reception for delegation heads at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV was elected head of the Catholic Church on May 8.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo, 69, is the first American pope in history. He spent over two decades in Peru, serving as a missionary and later as the bishop of Chiclayo.
Read also: Could Pope Leo XIV Bring Hope to America?
After the new Pope’s election earlier this month, King Mohammed VI sent the Vatican a congratulatory message, reflecting Morocco’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Morocco has received two Vatican Popes, namely Pope John Paul II in August 1985 and Pope Francis in March 2019.
The Moroccan people received Pope Francis with warmth, reflecting their rooted tolerance and religious coexistence.
During the papal visit, Pope Francis and King Mohammed VI signed a joint Jerusalem Appeal endorsing their shared belief that jews, Christians, and Muslims should coexist in peace.
