Rabat, April 2025 — King Mohammed VI has expressed heartfelt condolences following the passing of Pope Francis I, honoring the late pontiff as a global figure who embodied compassion, unity, and moral leadership.
In a message addressed to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, the Moroccan monarch conveyed his sorrow and solidarity with the Catholic Church and the broader Christian community.
“We received the news of His Holiness Pope Francis I’s passing with profound sadness and deep emotion,” the King wrote. “May the Almighty grant him boundless mercy and welcome him into His eternal realm.”
Pope Francis I, aged 88, passed away early Monday morning, only a day after delivering what would be his final public address on Easter Sunday. His death followed a recent hospitalization to treat an infection that had left him weakened in recent weeks.
In his tribute, King Mohammed VI recognized the Pope not only as a spiritual leader, but also as a tireless advocate for universal values — from peace and fraternity to compassion and environmental stewardship.
The King emphasized the Pope’s enduring influence in championing dialogue between civilizations and standing up for the vulnerable. He extended his condolences not only to Cardinal Re but also to the global Christian faithful, commending Pope Francis I for his unwavering efforts to bring people together and uplift humanity.
This message follows years of mutual respect between Morocco and the Vatican, with the Pope’s historic 2019 visit to Morocco still remembered as a turning point in interfaith cooperation and cultural harmony.
As tributes pour in from across the world, King Mohammed VI’s message underscores a shared vision of peace and unity, transcending religious lines and reinforcing the bonds of mutual respect between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Catholic Church.
