Rabat, March 30 -- As Pope Francis's arrival in Rabat today marks the second papal visit to Morocco, the event is reminiscent of John Paul II's visit to the country in 1985 -his first to a Muslim country following a direct invitation from its leader.

When Pope John Paul II landed at Mohammed VI Airport in Casablanca, he knelt and kissed the Moroccan soil, a humble gesture conveying sentiments of love and tolerance toward the country and its people.

The pontiff was greeted by King Hassan II and King Mohammed VI, who was then Crown Prince.

Pope John Paul II's visit was an opportunity to lay the foundations of the fraternity, mutual understanding, and interfaith bridge that has become a central pillar in the current pope's repeated calls ...