Pope Francis dies at 88; his Morocco visit, a testament to interfaith dialogue
Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning, April 21, at the Casa Santa Marta, his residence inside the Vatican, following weeks of declining health. The announcement was made at 9:45 AM by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
«His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church», Farrell said. «We commend his soul to the infinite merciful love of God».
The 88-year-old pontiff, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been hospitalized for 38 days due to pneumonia after bronchitis. He struggled with respiratory issues since part of his lung was removed at 21 and canceled a 2023 visit to the UAE due to flu and lung inflammation.
Interfaith dialogue
Among his many apostolic visits, Pope Francis traveled to Morocco in 2019. This trip focused on strengthening interfaith dialogue, particularly between Christians and Muslims, and promoting peace in the region. During his two-day visit, from March 30-31, Pope Francis was received by King Mohammed VI. Together, they addressed the crowds from both the Muslim and Christian communities in Morocco who had gathered for this first-of-its-kind visit.
Speaking to the crowds, Pope Francis called for greater cooperation and dialogue to build a world of solidarity, emphasizing respect for the distinctiveness of each people and individual. He stressed the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation, urging that respect for differences is essential to promoting peace and unity.
Pope Francis made the most of his brief visit to Morocco, holding talks with several officials and visiting key historic and strategic locations. Accompanied by King Mohammed VI, the Pope visited the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines, and Morchidates. He also addressed Catholic community leaders at the Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Rabat.
The last surviving Tibhirine monk
One of the most poignant moments of the visit occurred when Pope Francis kissed the hand of Father Jean-Pierre Schumacher, the last surviving monk from the Tibhirine massacre at the time. Father Schumacher, who had lived at the Notre-Dame Abbey in Midelt since 2000, survived the 1996 attack in Algeria, where seven monks were killed during the Algerian Civil War.
The visit also included a trip to the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a meeting with migrants, and a holy Mass. During this time, Pope Francis sent a message of peace and solidarity to the people of Palestine from Morocco. Together with King Mohammed VI, Pope Francis made a joint appeal to preserve Jerusalem/Al-Quds Acharif as a city of peace, emphasizing its importance for the three monotheistic religions.
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