Reflections from Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero on Faith and Community
As the world looks forward to the upcoming visit of Pope Leon XIV to Algeria on April 13, 2026, the Church in Morocco prepares to commemorate the sixth anniversary of Pope Francis's visit to this predominantly Muslim North African nation on March 30 and 31. In light of this significant event, Zenit had the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful dialogue with Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, who has served as the Archbishop of Rabat for eight years. A native of southern Spain and a devoted Salesian missionary, Cardinal López embodies the spirit of interfaith dialogue, a commitment to the underprivileged, and a dedication to simplicity.
Reflecting on his journey, Cardinal López recounted his initial arrival in Morocco from 2003 to 2010, a time during which he felt a profound sense of surprise and unfamiliarity, as he had no prior connections within the country. After serving in Bolivia and Spain, he returned to Morocco in 2017, this time as the Archbishop, a role which he embraced with joy, feeling a deep connection with the Moroccan people. "I had already become Moroccan among Moroccans," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of shared identity and understanding. His personal experience as a migrant, having roots in both Andalusia and Catalonia, has enriched his worldview, allowing him to connect deeply with diverse communities.
Cardinal López described the Church in Morocco as a small yet vibrant community, consisting of approximately 30,000 Catholics, which represents less than 0.1% of the population. This small size, he explains, does not signify insignificance. Rather, it provides the Church with a unique opportunity to deliver a powerful message of peace, justice, and love in a country where they are a minority. The congregation is young, with an average age of around 35, comprising individuals from over 100 countries, including many students from sub-Saharan Africa.
Cardinal López articulated that the mission of the Church is not to expand its numbers but to cultivate the Kingdom of God within Morocco. He underscored that the focus should be on fostering love, peace, and truth rather than on merely increasing church attendance. The cardinal recalled the words of Pope Francis during his visit in 2019, which resonated deeply with him: "It is not a problem to be few; the problem would be to lose the flavor of the Gospel or to be a light that no longer illuminates anyone." These sentiments have provided the Church with a profound sense of tranquility and purpose.
The Blessings of Being a Minority
In a thought-provoking discussion about the nature of being a minority within the Church, Cardinal López stated, "Being a minority is not a problem for us; it is an opportunity; it is a grace, not a misfortune." He referenced a colloquium held at the Al Mowafaqa Ecumenical Institute in Rabat, which focused on the challenges and strengths of being a minority religious group in both sub-Saharan and Mediterranean Africa. His perspective is that being part of a minority compels individuals to focus on what truly matters, leading them to experience a more authentic expression of faith. For instance, Christmas in Morocco is not celebrated with the fanfare typical of many Western cultures. As a result, believers are encouraged to embrace the essence of Christmas without the distractions of commercialism, allowing them to appreciate the true gift of Jesus's birth.
Moreover, Cardinal López emphasized that many non-practicing Christians who visit Morocco often find themselves drawn back to the faith through witnessing the strong devotion of the local Muslim population. This transformative experience highlights the grace of being a minority and the joy it can bring to one's spiritual journey.
Known as the "Archbishop of Friendship and Dialogue," Cardinal López actively promotes interfaith relations, particularly with the Muslim community. He noted that the Church in Morocco fosters strong relationships with Anglican, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians, as well as with Muslims. This commitment to dialogue and cooperation extends into various societal spheres, including culture, human rights, women's promotion, and education. The Church operates twelve Catholic schools attended primarily by Muslim children, reflecting the trust placed in them by the local communities.
In conclusion, the experiences and insights shared by Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero shed light on the unique position of the Catholic Church in Morocco. His perspective that being a minority is a grace and an opportunity challenges conventional views and encourages a deeper understanding of faith, community, and interreligious dialogue. The Archbishop's dedication to fostering peace and cooperation among diverse faiths serves as an inspiring example for all.
As reported by fr.zenit.org.
