Pope in Morocco: culture of
dialogue and respect for common good
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| Pope Francis delivering a speech in Rabat, Morocco on March 30, 2019 (AFP) |
Pope Francis on March 30 addressed the people, authorities,
representatives of civil society and the diplomatic corps in the Moroccan
capital, Rabat.
By Robin Gomes
Pope Francis on Saturday encouraged cooperation in building
a world of greater solidarity, marked by honest, courageous and indispensable
efforts in order to promote a dialogue that is respectful of the richness and
distinctiveness of each people and every individual.
The Pope’s exhortation came during his 2-day weekend visit
to Morocco. The Pope arrived in the Rabat’s international airport in the
afternoon, where he was received by King Mohammed VI. Later, he was
accorded a state welcome at the Tour Hassan or the Hassan Tower, where he
addressed the people, the authorities, representatives of the civil society and
the diplomatic corps.
In order to build a “society that is open, fraternal and
respectful of differences,” the Pope said, “it is vital to foster the culture
of dialogue and adhere to it unfailingly, to adopt mutual cooperation as our
code of conduct and reciprocal understanding as our method and standard”.
The Argentine Pope noted that his visit was taking place on
the 800th anniversary of the historic encounter between Saint
Francis of Assisi and Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil in Egypt 1219. He said
that the “prophetic event shows that the courage to encounter one another and
extend a hand of friendship is a pathway of peace and harmony for humanity,
whereas extremism and hatred cause division and destruction.
Dialogue to overcome extremism
His Moroccan visit, he said, is an opportunity to advance
interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding among the followers of
Christianity and Islam. All need to help each other overcome tensions and
misunderstandings, clichés and stereotypes that generate fear and
opposition. Likewise, it is essential that fanaticism and extremism be
countered by solidarity on the part of all believers.
In this regard, the Holy father expressed appreciation for
the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines
and Morchidates . The institute trains men and women
preachers in order combat all forms of extremism, which, the Pope said, often
lead to violence and terrorism, that constitute an “offence against religion
and against God himself”.
Religion and authentic dialogue
The Pope pointed out that for authentic dialogue, religion
needs to build bridges between people. While respecting our differences,
he explained, faith in God leads us to acknowledge the eminent dignity of each
human being, as well as his or her inalienable rights. Therefore, freedom
of conscience and religion are inseparably linked to human dignity.
For this to happen, all need to go beyond mere tolerance
to respect and esteem for others, accept the distinctive
religious beliefs of others and enrich one another through diversity.
Thus, creating bridges between people through inter-religious dialogue calls
for a spirit of mutual regard, friendship and fraternity.
In this regard, the Pope expressed appreciation for the
International Conference on the rights of religious minorities in Muslim
countries, held in Morocco in 2016, that condemned the exploitation of religion
as a means of discriminating against or attacking others.
He also commended the creation in 2012 of the Al Mowafaqa
Ecumenical Institute in Rabat, that seeks to help promote ecumenism, as well as
dialogue with culture and with Islam.
He said all these are ways to halt the misuse of religion to
incite hatred, violence, extremism and blind fanaticism, and the invocation of
the name of God to justify acts of murder, exile, terrorism and oppression.
Our common home
The Pope further explained that genuine dialogue also
includes the care of our common. The International Conference on Climate
Change, COP 22, held in Morocco, underscored that authentic solidarity between
nations and peoples is needed to protect this planet and to contribute to a
true “ecological conversion” for the sake of integral human development.
A patient, judicious, candid and sincere dialogue can help reverse the trend of
global warming and achieve the goal of eliminating poverty, he said.
Migration
The 82-year old Pontiff also drew attention to the grave
crisis of migration. He said it represents an urgent call to concrete
actions aimed at eliminating the causes that force many people
to leave country and family behind, often only to find themselves marginalized
and rejected.
Despite the Intergovernmental Conference on the Global Compact
for safe, orderly and regular migration held in Morocco in December, he said,
much remains to be done, especially in passing from commitments to concrete
actions. But what is most needed is a change of attitude towards
migrants that regards them as persons, acknowledging their rights and
dignity in daily life and in political decisions.
He hoped that Morocco will continue to be a model of
humanity for migrants and refugees, offering them generous welcome and
protection, a better life and a dignified integration into society.
He warned that 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.
Christians of Morocco
Speaking on behalf the Christians of Morocco, the Holy
Father, pledged their commitment in building a fraternal and prosperous nation,
out of concern for the common good. He particularly
mentioned the Catholic Church’s engagement in social services and
in the field of education, especially through its schools.
Later on Saturday the Pope was scheduled to pay a courtesy
visit to the king, meet Muslim leaders and visit a centre for migrants run by
Caritas.
Sunday morning, he is scheduled to visit a rural centre run
by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, after which he is to hold a
meeting with the clergy, religious and representatives of the Ecumenical
Council of Churches at Rabat cathedral.
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