Representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch took part in the official inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, held Sunday morning in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
Several heads of state and government attended the investiture ceremony of Pope Leo XIV, elected as the Head of the Catholic Church.
Following the Mass, Akhannouch greeted Pope Leo XIV, who then received the various heads of delegations in St. Peter's Basilica.
In a prior message, HM King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, had extended His congratulations and best wishes to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV upon his investiture as pontiff.
"The Kingdom of Morocco and the Holy See, as the custodians of longstanding diplomatic and spiritual traditions, are united by time-honored ties rooted in fraternal understanding and mutual esteem," the Sovereign underlined, adding that they are "also united by an unwavering commitment to peace and the principles of living together."
HM the King added that as "a land of fraternal coexistence between the followers of the monotheistic religions, the Kingdom of Morocco works tirelessly to promote a spirit of solidarity and harmony between different peoples and civilizations."
This privileged relationship between Morocco and the Holy See, the Sovereign explained, "will continue in the same spirit of brotherhood, friendship and mutual understanding."
HM the King expressed the hope that "these ties will be further strengthened to support and promote the ongoing dialogue between Muslims and Christians, in keeping with universal human values and the precepts shared by the monotheistic religions."
(MAP: 18 May 2025)
