Vatican City, Feb 19, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI met with Ali Achour, Morocco’s new ambassador to the Holy See, with whom he stressed the dignity of immigrants and importance of respect and consideration for the religious beliefs and practices of different peoples.
Clearly referencing the recent violence over certain Danish cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed-- an act utterly deplorable to Muslims--the Pope said that intolerance and violence are always incompatible with sacred traditions of religion.
After thanking Mr. Achour for the greetings of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, the Holy Father expressed his esteem "for the tradition of welcome and understanding which has, for many centuries, characterized relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Catholic Church."
Recalling Morocco’s recent 50th anniversary celebration of its independence, the Pope praising the country’s expressed intent to move towards "a modern, democratic and prosperous future."
This achievement, he said, "must enable Moroccans to live in security and dignity, so that they can actively participate in the social and political life of the country."