Strengthening Ties Between the Vatican and Morocco
On June 23, 2026, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin was welcomed in Rabat as an honorary member of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco. During his address, he highlighted the shared perspectives between the Holy See and this African nation, urging a transition from mere tolerance to a genuine acceptance of others. Parolin emphasized that fraternity cannot be viewed through a utilitarian lens but must be rooted in a deeper spiritual understanding. This message was central to his speech titled "Believers and Citizens: Building Human Fraternity after 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations between the Holy See and Morocco," delivered at the solemn ceremony marking his induction into the multidisciplinary institution established by King Hassan II in 1977.
Parolin conveyed greetings and blessings from Pope Leo XIV, noting that the year marks the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Morocco and the Holy See, which were established in 1976. This relationship has been characterized by mutual respect and a profound convergence of views over the past five decades, which Parolin described as merely a brief moment in the context of the long-standing institutions of both entities. A tangible common ground between the two is the shared vision of religion as a bulwark against extremism rather than a pretext for division, a concept that has evolved through various milestones in their diplomatic history, including King Hassan II's visit to the Vatican in 1980 and Saint John Paul II's visit to Morocco in 1985, which marked the first encounter of a pope with Muslim youth at the initiative of a head of state. These foundational events were echoed in Pope Francis's apostolic journey to Morocco in 2019.
Commitment to Active Compassion and Dialogue
In his address, Parolin reaffirmed the importance of active compassion, mutual respect, and renewed solidarity among nations, especially in times of crisis. He referenced the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, signed in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019, which emphasizes the equal dignity bestowed upon all human beings by the Creator, calling for a collective existence as brothers and sisters. Parolin articulated that this timeless truth requires states to embody active compassion and mutual respect in the face of global challenges.
The cardinal underscored that such commitments derive their strength from a spiritual foundation, asserting that true fraternity is built on recognizing the intrinsic dignity of every individual. Faith, therefore, becomes the cornerstone for constructing a more just world. He echoed the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis and King Mohammed VI in 2019, where they highlighted that spirituality should transcend mere personal piety and manifest through concrete actions. Moreover, Parolin reiterated that the absence of a spiritual anchor could lead fraternity to decay into a purely utilitarian viewpoint.
For authentic fraternity to flourish, Parolin insisted that faith and citizenship must be intertwined, reiterating Pope Francis's call for a shift from simple tolerance to genuine fraternity. He emphasized that the name of God should never justify hatred, a principle reflected in Morocco’s 2016 Marrakech Declaration, which reaffirmed the rights of religious minorities within the Muslim world, grounded in citizenship, human dignity, and inclusion.
Constructing a framework for this fraternity necessitates interreligious dialogue, a realm where Morocco's diplomatic efforts have been particularly prominent. Parolin quoted King Mohammed VI, who stated that the fraternity among the children of Abraham is a foundational pillar of Morocco's rich cultural diversity. This synergy is evident in the coexistence of mosques, churches, and synagogues in Moroccan cities. The Holy See views this 'diplomacy of culture and encounter' as a pivotal approach to fostering peaceful international relations. Parolin elaborated that human dignity is not a concession from states, but a sacred gift from God, who created humanity in His image.
Today, the demand for dignity faces numerous challenges, including the pressing issue of migration. In this context, Morocco plays a crucial role through the Marrakech Pact, which serves as a roadmap ensuring that migrants are welcomed, protected, promoted, and integrated as brothers, thereby embodying a universal fraternity that rejects exclusion. This commitment also extends to caring for our common home, with Morocco leading regional efforts in renewable energy to promote an integral ecology that harmonizes respect for nature with social justice. Furthermore, amidst the rapid technological transformations, the encyclical Magnifica humanitas serves as a compass, asserting that human dignity is inherently ontological and independent of individual capabilities or wealth. To instill these values amidst modern challenges, Parolin identified youth education as a vital cornerstone, emphasizing it as the only safeguard against the allure of nihilism and the pitfalls of fanaticism, ultimately shaping them into the true builders of tomorrow's world.
In conclusion, Cardinal Parolin reiterated that when civic consciousness and faith converge, they become agents of profound social change. It is not enough to merely wish for a fairer world; a patient, concrete, and collective commitment is essential. True peace, he asserted, cannot be achieved through the pragmatism of fleeting agreements; it is built with persistent patience through a genuine culture of dialogue. It is through this peace-building endeavor that fundamental rights can be guaranteed, and the exercise of freedom can be strengthened. Ultimately, the hope remains that Morocco and the Holy See will continue to chart the paths for the future, offering a vibrant and unwavering testament to their shared fraternity.
As reported by vaticannews.va.
