Latest news with #MohammedVIInstitutefortheTrainingofImams
Ya Biladi
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Archbishop of Rabat remembers Pope Francis as «a friend» who left a strong mark in Morocco
The Archbishop of Rabat, Cristóbal López Romero, paid tribute to Pope Francis following the news of his death, describing him as «a friend who knew me and spoke to me»,and someone who brought new energy to the Church's mission in the Mediterranean. Speaking from Vatican City after the first General Congregation of Cardinals, the Archbishop highlighted the impact of the Pope's 2019 visit to Morocco, calling it «unforgettable» and noting that King Mohammed VI himself had used that very word. «I've received many messages of condolence from the Islamic world», he added, saying the Pope's presence in Morocco had left a «very strong mark». When asked whether the King would attend the funeral, he said: «I don't know if he will come, but if he can't, he will send his son». The Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis' funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88. In Morocco, he is remembered for his 2019 visit, during which he met King Mohammed VI, visited the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, and celebrated a historic Mass attended by thousands, including migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, calling for a culture of mercy and fraternity. He also met with religious leaders, visited Caritas Morocco to show solidarity with migrants, and signed a joint appeal with the King on Jerusalem's status as a city of peace. In a letter of condolences, King Mohammed VI described Pope Francis as «an eminent religious figure who dedicated his life to serving high human ideals and common values rooted in faith, freedom, peace, love, and solidarity among different peoples».
Ya Biladi
21-04-2025
- General
- Ya Biladi
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.
Morocco World
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Dispatches 272 Religious Leaders for Ramadan 2025 Support Abroad
Doha – As each year with the approach of Ramadan, the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Residing Abroad mobilizes religious leaders to support Moroccan communities across North America and Europe. This year, the foundation is deploying 272 religious leaders from February 27 to April 1, to provide spiritual guidance and cultural activities throughout the holy month. The delegation comprises a diverse group of qualified religious scholars and leaders, including 38 university professors, 39 preachers with doctorates, 44 with master's degrees, and 60 with bachelor's degrees. Additionally, 60 preachers will conduct both sermons and Quran memorization sessions, while 31 imams will lead Tarawih prayers. The distribution of these religious leaders across 13 countries reflects the concentration of Moroccan communities abroad, with France receiving the largest contingent of 75 preachers. Other significant allocations include 40 in Germany, 38 in Spain, 33 each in the Netherlands and Belgium, 27 in Italy, 10 in Canada, and 6 in the United States. Smaller delegations will serve in Sweden (4), England (2), Norway (2), and one each in Hungary and Iceland. The initiative is part of the Hassan II Foundation's long-standing commitment to maintaining cultural and spiritual connections with Moroccan expatriates. Read also: Imams, Mosques, and Moderate Islam: Morocco's Soft Power Play in Africa Established in 1990 by the late King Hassan II and currently presided over by Princess Lalla Meryem, the foundation operates as a non-profit institution with legal status and financial autonomy. Since 1992, it has been supporting associations and mosques in organizing various activities, including seminars and Quranic recitation competitions for children. This program goes in line with Morocco's broader religious diplomacy efforts, which include initiatives such as the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams and the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema. The foundation will present the detailed program at a meeting in Rabat on February 25, with 50 delegation members expected to attend. Operating with a staff of over 700 people, including more than 600 abroad, the Hassan II Foundation continues its mission to help Moroccan expatriates maintain fundamental ties with their homeland while addressing challenges related to their emigration. The foundation's strategic importance is recognized by law, with its Delegated President's appointment governed by organic law No. 02/12 in accordance with Articles 49 and 92 of the Constitution. Tags: moroccan religious leadersramadan 2025Religious diplomacy
