Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch attended the Vatican on Sunday morning to represent King Mohammed VI at the inauguration ceremony marking the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. The event drew leaders from around the globe, all gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Pope’s first official mass since his election on May 8.
Following the service, the newly installed pontiff greeted members of each delegation inside the basilica. During this moment, Akhannouch had the opportunity to extend the Moroccan monarch’s greetings and well-wishes in person.
In honor of the occasion, King Mohammed VI sent a formal message congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his new role. In it, the king reflected on the longstanding relationship between Morocco and the Holy See—a bond rooted in centuries of diplomatic ties and shared spiritual values. He emphasized Morocco’s deep commitment to interfaith dialogue and the promotion of peace among nations, describing the kingdom as a historic crossroads of cultures and religions.
The message also underscored Morocco’s aspiration to strengthen its relationship with the Vatican. King Mohammed VI expressed his hope for a continued partnership built on mutual respect and shared values, particularly in matters related to coexistence, dialogue between faiths, and the common ethical principles that unite the world’s monotheistic religions.
