Morocco's King Mohammed VI has extended his heartfelt condolences to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, following the passing of Pope Francis. In a message filled with solemnity and compassion, the King paid tribute to the late pontiff’s legacy of peace, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian service.
“It was with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis – may Almighty God accept him in His vast Paradise,” the King wrote in his letter to Cardinal Re.
The King expressed his deep sympathy to the global Christian community and particularly to the Roman Catholic Church, describing Pope Francis as a towering spiritual leader who devoted his life to upholding universal values rooted in faith, liberty, peace, and solidarity among peoples.
“The world has lost an eminent religious figure, who dedicated his life to serving lofty human ideals and common values… The late Pope also consistently called for protecting and preserving the environment, which is the home of all mankind,” the King emphasized.
In his message, King Mohammed VI reflected on the Pope’s life as one of generosity and self-sacrifice, noting his commitment to fighting marginalization and poverty, defending human dignity, and addressing the challenges of illegal migration. The King further highlighted the Pope’s unwavering efforts to promote peace, dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence among the followers of revealed religions.
The Moroccan monarch fondly recalled Pope Francis’s historic visit to Morocco in March 2019, describing it as a “significant milestone” in strengthening the special relationship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Holy See. The visit, the King said, underscored the shared aspiration of both spiritual leaders to advance interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding.
A key outcome of that visit was the signing of the Jerusalem Declaration, a joint statement by King Mohammed VI and Pope Francis calling for the protection of the Holy City's unique spiritual identity and the rights of the followers of the three monotheistic religions to access and worship freely within it.
“I share your grief and pray that Almighty God comfort you, grant you solace and bless the soul of the deceased,” the King concluded, reaffirming the Kingdom’s solidarity with the Catholic Church during this period of mourning.
