Pope Francis heading to Morocco on Friday

By; Jjunju Francis

27^th March 2019

Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis is going to visit Morocco from 30^th -31^st March 2019.

During his two-day visit he will engage in interreligious dialogue and address the country’s bishops. The visit also includes a visit to a migrant centre, run by the Charity Caritas, and a social centre run by the Daughters of Charity.

According to Archbishop Cristòbal Lòpez of Rabat Pope Francis will also meet with King Mohamed VI, the King of Morocco and visit the Mohammed VI Institute, which oversees the training and formation of Imams, to serve the local Muslim community.

The visit coincides with the SECAM Golden Jubilee reflection for the month of March on Refugees, Migrants and Displaced Persons; reminding all to be attentive to migrants and foreigners, as well as to orphans and widows.

Morocco is a crucial point for illegal sub-Saharan migrants from Africa to Europe because of its position on the map linking it to Europe.

Pope Francis will be the second Pope to travel to Morocco, after Pope John Paul II in 1985.

With a population of about 37 million, more than 99 percent of the Moroccan people are Muslim, with Christians, and other religions making up the rest of the population.