Morocco Honors Pope by Freeing Christians
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RABAT, Morocco — A number of Christians held in Moroccan jails, including French, Spanish, Italian and British nationals, were released Saturday in a gesture of clemency to mark Pope John Paul II’s recent visit to Morocco, diplomatic sources said.
Sources close to the Rabat archdiocese said the amnesty declared by King Hassan II was specifically for Christians. There are an estimated 50,000 Christians in the Muslim nation.
The exact number of prisoners released was not known, but they included 14 French people, nine Spaniards, five Italians and three Britons, the sources said.
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