Pope Francis dedicated this last event of his trip to the small Catholic community in Morocco. It is estimated that there are around 0.7 percent Catholics among the 35 million inhabitants in the country.
Pope Francis celebrated Sunday Mass at the Prince Moulay Abdellah sports complex. Thousands of Catholics, from 60 different countries, attended the ceremony.
As the pope entered he was welcomed with music from this choir.
Pope Francis focused his homily on the parable of the Prodigal Son. He spoke of the eldest son's attitude of rejection for his brother who returns, after he has squandered his father's fortune. The pope lamented that this same attitude is reproduced today in many individuals and communities.
POPE FRANCIS
“What we see here yet again is the tension we experience in our societies and in our communities. 'Who has the right to stay among us, to take a place at our tables and in our meetings, in our activities and concerns, in our squares and our cities?' The murderous question seems constantly to return: 'Am I my brother’s keeper?'”
Pope Francis said it is true many situations can bring division and confrontation. However, he encouraged people not to seek revenge, as it only brings more destruction.
POPE FRANCIS
“Often we are tempted to believe that hatred and revenge are legitimate ways of ensuring quick and effective justice. Yet experience tells us that hatred, division and revenge succeed only in killing the souls of our people, poisoning our children’s hopes, and destroying and sweeping away everything we cherish.”
He invited everyone to contemplate the heart of Jesus in order to allow oneself to see each other as brothers and sisters, not as enemies.
The pope also praised this small Catholic community and its perseverance in faith in the midst of challenges.
POPE FRANCIS
“Thank you for your efforts to make each of your communities an oasis of mercy. I encourage you to continue to let the culture of mercy grow, a culture in which no one looks at others with indifference, or averts his eyes in the face of their suffering.”
Before concluding the ceremony, the Archbishop of Rabat thanked the pope for his visit. He also asked everyone present to repeat these words of affection dedicated to Pope Francis.
“Thank you Pope Francis for visiting us.”
