Rabat: Moroccan and Polish intellectual and diplomatic figures gathered in Rabat to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Morocco, emphasizing the symbolic legacy of the event. This meeting highlighted the potential of both Rabat and Warsaw to enhance this legacy by fostering cultural and religious bridges in a turbulent global landscape.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, a roundtable was organized by the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Embassy of Poland in Morocco, focusing on the theme “From tolerance to hospitality.” Participants stressed that the Pope’s 1985 visit, at the invitation of the late HM Hassan II, is laden with lessons and symbols that are crucial for contemporary society.
Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Perpetual Secretary of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, underscored the importance of valuing historical memory as a tool for future development rather than merely revisiting the past. He highlighted Morocco’s commitment to dialogue as essential for achieving social peace and fostering trust among cultural and spiritual communities.
Lahjomri also pointed out the continued efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in promoting spiritual diplomacy, advocating for moderation and tolerance, and reinforcing Morocco’s role as a bridge-builder in a complex global environment.
Polish Ambassador Tomasz Orlowski described the 1985 visit as a unique meeting between spiritual leaders-the Commander of the Faithful and the Supreme Head of the Catholic Church. He noted the late HM Hassan II’s vision of building exchanges and valuing commonalities between Christian and Muslim worlds, emphasizing the late Sovereign’s invitation to promote dialogue and respect.
Orlowski proposed organizing a future meeting in Krakow, the city where Pope John Paul II studied and served as archbishop, to further explore Moroccan-Polish contributions to coexistence and mutual understanding between Christian and Muslim communities.
Mohamed Noureddine Afaya, a thinker and writer, revisited the 1980 visit of the late HM Hassan II to the Vatican, which set the stage for the Pope’s visit to Morocco. Afaya regarded this initiative as a call for serious dialogue to overcome stereotypes and misconceptions that strain relations between peoples.
Afaya also highlighted the historical significance of the Pope kissing Moroccan soil, symbolizing an embrace of the “Kingdom of God” open to humanity. He referenced Ibn Rushd’s philosophy of reconciling religious and rational truths as a foundation for Morocco’s openness to other spiritual traditions.
Polish parliamentarian Marcin Bosacki emphasized the relevance of the lessons from Pope John Paul II’s visit, describing it as a “breakthrough” in Christian-Muslim relations. He praised Morocco’s strategic position as a mediator between monotheistic religions and its commitment to fighting extremism.
Bosacki also reflected on the late Pope’s spiritual journey in Krakow, a city known for its religious tolerance and cultural diversity, which inspired his advocacy for freedom of conscience and human dignity. He concluded by highlighting the Pope’s message to Moroccan youth in Casablanca, urging the promotion of clemency and tolerance to build a better future.