Cardinal Parolin: faith and civic duty as pillars for social renewal
The intersection of faith and civic responsibility
During a visit to Rabat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin was formally welcomed as a new honorary member of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco. The Secretary of State used the occasion to underline the shared perspectives between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Morocco, advocating for a societal transformation guided by spiritual values and a strong sense of civic duty.
Addressing the assembly, the cardinal warned against a “purely utilitarian” interpretation of brotherhood. He called for a shift in perspective, moving from simple “tolerance”—where people merely share a legal space—to a more profound and authentic sense of welcoming one another.
Moving beyond simple coexistence
The Vatican representative emphasized that for a true social renewal to take place, the principles of faith must be mirrored in how citizens interact within their community. By fostering a deeper connection between Church and Islam, he suggested that both religions can lead the way in creating a society that does not just tolerate diversity but actively embraces it.
This vision for the future highlights the necessity of seeing the “other” as a brother or sister with whom we share more than just rights, but a common humanity. Through this lens, Cardinal Parolin believes that the Holy See and Morocco can continue to build a bridge of understanding and cooperation.