Pope in Morocco: visit to Mausoleum, signing the Book of Honour

By Robin Gomes

At the end of the first official speech of his apostolic visit to Morocco at the Tour Hassan, where he addressed the people, the authorities, representatives of civil society and the diplomatic corps, Pope Francis walked to the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a white marble building with green tiled roof.

Alongside the King and several officials with whom he had a long dialogue, the Holy Father visited the tombs of Mohammed V, considered the father of modern Morocco, and Hassan II.

He placed a floral tribute at the tombs, stood for a moment in silent prayer before proceeding to a table to sign the Book of Honour to mark his Morocco visit. 

“On the occasion of my visit to this Mausoleum, I invoke Almighty God for the prosperity of the Kingdom of Morocco, asking Him to make brotherhood and solidarity between Christians and Muslims grow!” the Pope wrote, urging for prayers for him. 

The official in charge of the Mausoleum gifted the Pope a memento and a book on the history of the tomb.

At the end of the visit to the Mausoleum, the Pope proceed in a car to the Royal Palace to pay a courtesy visit to King Mohammed VI and his family.