Pope Francis called for religious freedom and efforts to tackle "fanaticism" on Saturday as he started a visit to Morocco, where he is set to meet Muslim leaders and migrants. Addressing thousands of Moroccans who had braved the rain to attend the welcome ceremony, Francis said it was "essential to oppose fanaticism". Speaking at the ceremony at the Tour (or tower) Hassan mosque and nearby mausoleum in Rabat, Francis defended "freedom of conscience" and "religious freedom". Rabat has stepped up security ahead of the first papal visit to the North African country since John Paul II in 1985. Rabat has stepped up security ahead of the first papal visit to the North African country since John Paul II in 1985.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC