The visit that Pope Francis is paying to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI stands as a milestone in inter-religious dialogue and coexistence. “This visit will be marked by intense activities of the Commander of the Faithful and His illustrious guest His Holiness the Pope,” the statement said. Respect for cultural and religious diversity as well as a common commitment to the virtues of dialogue were distinctive features of the King’s rule. “In Morocco, there is no difference between a Muslim and a Jewish citizen,” said the King in a message in September to an inter-religious dialogue conference. In 2010, King Mohammed VI initiated a program to refurbish hundreds of ancient synagogues and Jewish cemeteries scattered throughout Morocco.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 30, 2019 00:11 UTC