The moroccan British Society, co-sponsor of "Sacred"

Morocco witnessed the arrival of Christianity in the beginning of the 3rd Century AD, which expanded rapidly across the whole Maghreb, as demonstrated by the regular nomination of Bishops across the region in the following centuries. After the VII Century, Christianity gradually yielded ground to Islam in Morocco. It was in the middle of the XIX Century, with the arrival of European farmers and others that Christianity expanded again in the country.

A Community that Engages in Dialogue

The Christian community in Morocco is essentially constituted of descendants of European settlers or recent immigrants, such as those from Asia. The majority of Christians are established in the large cities, which usually have several churches. Casablanca has two cathedrals: a recent and modern one, Notre Dame de Lourdes, and an older cathedral, l’Eglise du Sacré Coeur. We can also find religious schools well known for their excellence that attract a multi-faith student body. The Christians of Morocco live their faith in total freedom.

A Visionary Summit to Foster Dialogue

His Majesty the late King Hassan II, Amir Al Mumineen (Commander of the Faithful), visited the Holy See in April 1980, in an effort to encourage inter-faith dialogue and to relay the desire of Muslims worldwide for a just solution to the question of Jerusalem.

His Holiness Pope John-Paul II welcomed these efforts and prayed for their success. Regarding Muslim-Catholic relations His Holiness stated: “Morocco is a People of Believers. Your Majesty wants to guide it in the respect of The Almighty […] Your responsibilities lead You to protect the religious aspirations of Your Subjects and to bestow Your benevolence on those among them who are not of Muslim faith. I welcome the spirit of dialogue that leads You to establish contacts with the Holy See, as a sign of esteem for the Catholic Church which endeavors in the Kingdom (of Morocco) to make a loyal contribution to the edification of progress and peace.”

Recognition of Morocco's commitment to dialogue

The 1980 visit to the Holy See was followed by others and on August 19th, 1985, His Holiness Pope John Paul II paid a return visit at the invitation of His Majesty the late King Hassan II, the first such visit to a Muslim State. This visit was made in recognition of Morocco’s commitment
to dialogue between the two religions. On this occasion, His Holiness declared to an audience of 60 000 youths: “I think that we, Christians and Muslims should recognize with joy the religious values we share and be grateful to God for this […] It is our duty to respect each other and encourage each other in performing good deeds in the Divine path.”