Morocco, a Model of Interfaith Dialogue and Respect for Minorities, Says Ambassador Rajae Naji at the Holy See
Morocco, with its plural history and identity shaped by diverse cultural heritages, stands as a model of interfaith dialogue and respect for minorities, affirmed Rajae Naji, the Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Holy See, speaking in Rome.Morocco, with its plural history and identity shaped by diverse cultural heritages, stands as a model of interfaith dialogue and respect for minorities, affirmed Rajae Naji, the Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Holy See, speaking in Rome.
Addressing the 26th International Mariological and Marian Congress, focused on the place of Mary in faith, culture and dialogue between peoples and religions, Ms. Naji stated that “the richness of Moroccan identity, nourished by diverse cultural and spiritual tributaries, makes Morocco a model of interfaith dialogue and respect for minorities.”
Mary embodies a universal figure of faith and courage, honored by both Muslims and Christians, she said, noting that this universality “finds a special resonance in the spiritual and cultural tradition of my country, Morocco, which, with its plural and open history, represents an exemplary model of coexistence among different religions.”
Her Excellency emphasized that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as Commander of the Faithful, ensures not only the safeguarding of Islam but also the protection of other recognized religions, notably Judaism and Christianity.
She added that the Moroccan Constitution of 2011 clearly affirms the Kingdom’s commitment to the values of tolerance and coexistence, noting that while Islam is enshrined as the state religion, the Constitution guarantees the free exercise of worship for all.
Recalling the Sovereign’s message to the Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, held in Marrakech in June 2023, Ms. Naji highlighted that His Majesty, a staunch defender of a moderate Islam, stressed that religious diversity is a precious asset that must be preserved and valued.
The King also underlined that the Abrahamic religions are called upon to embrace a fraternity that transcends differences and is grounded in justice, mutual respect and peace. This vision, she said, is part of Morocco’s living heritage as a land of hospitality and tolerance where peoples and faiths coexist in harmony.
This coexistence is also reflected in the country’s tangible and spiritual heritage, Ms. Naji noted, citing the Notre Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral in Tangier and Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Rabat as examples.
She further pointed out the presence of 80,000 Christians currently living in Morocco, where religious freedom is safeguarded without persecution, fostering an environment conducive to dialogue.
On the diplomatic level, this tradition of dialogue has been reflected in the exemplary relationship between Morocco and the Holy See, she said, recalling that a centuries-old understanding between Moroccan sovereigns and the Church was formalized in 1976, the year official diplomatic relations between the two States were established.
Today, under the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leon XIV, Morocco expresses its full readiness to continue and deepen this dynamic of dialogue, fraternity and cooperation, she added, stressing that the Moroccan tradition of openness, as promoted by His Majesty the King, resonates strongly with the early orientations of the Sovereign Pontiff, who places respect for religious diversity and the building of peace at the heart of his pastoral and universal mission.
Held from September 3 to 6 at the Auditorium Antonianum in Rome, the 26th International Mariological and Marian Congress was organized by the Pontificia Academia Mariana Internationalis under the theme “Jubilee and Synodality: A Church with a Marian Face and Practice.” The event gathered more than 600 participants, including scholars, theologians, religious leaders, ambassadors and diplomats.
Editorial team/le7tv
