Pope, King of Morocco issue Jerusalem appeal

Muscat: Pope Francis I and King Muhammad VI of Morocco issued a joint appeal for the preservation of Jerusalem “as a symbol of peaceful coexistence”.
Released as part of the pontiff’s visit to the North African kingdom, the statement declares, “We consider it important to preserve the Holy City of Jerusalem / Al-Quds Acharif as the common patrimony of humanity and especially the followers of the three monotheistic religions, as a place of encounter and as a symbol of peaceful coexistence, where mutual respect and dialogue can be cultivated.
“To this end, the specific multi-religious character, the spiritual dimension and the particular cultural identity of Jerusalem / Al-Quds Acharif must be protected and promoted.
“It is our hope, therefore, 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, the Creator of all, for a future of peace and fraternity on the earth,” the statement concluded.
During his time in Morocco, the pontiff met members of the kingdom’s catholic community and migrants.
He also paid a visit to the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates.