King Mohammed VI, Pope Francis call for preserving multi-faceted religious, spiritual dimension, identity of Jerusalem

King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, and Pope Francis signed on Saturday at the Throne Room at the Royal Palace in Rabat the “Al Quds Appeal” aimed at maintaining the multi-faceted religious, the spiritual dimension and the particular identity of the holy city of Jerusalem that they labeled “the common patrimony of humanity”.

The “Al Quds Appeal”, signed on the first day of the Pope’s historical visit to Morocco, recognizes the “uniqueness and sacredness of Jerusalem”, and calls for the city to be preserved as a “common heritage of humanity and especially for the faithful of the three monotheistic religions, as a meeting place and symbol of peaceful coexistence, where mutual respect and dialogue are cultivated”.

To this end, the Commander of the Faithful and the Head of the Catholic Church ask that “the specific multi-religious character, the spiritual dimension, and the peculiar cultural identity of Jerusalem / Al-Quds Acharif must be preserved and promoted”.

“It is our hope, therefore”, concludes the appeal, “that in the Holy City, full freedom of access to the followers of the three monotheistic religions and their right to worship will be guaranteed, so that in Jerusalem / Al-Quds Acharif they may raise their prayers to God, Creator of all, for a future of peace and fraternity on the earth”.

Shortly after the pope’s arrival in Rabat on Saturday, and following the official welcome ceremony presided by King Mohammed VI who was accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay el Hassan and Prince Moulay Rachid, the two leaders exchanged speeches, where they both called for enhanced dialogue to know one another and for greater solidarity to rise to the challenges of the present tormented times, mainly radicalism.