King Mohammed VI Praises Police for Security During Pope’s Morocco Visit

The head of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) sent a "letter of congratulation" to the security officials for their efforts during the visit of the sovereign pontiff, reports Jeune Afrique. Abdellatif Hammouchi also conveyed the personal congratulations of the king to the police officers.

The magazine indicates that the Moroccan authorities deployed nearly 12,000 police officers "some on horseback or motorcycle" as well as special forces under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), which Hammouchi heads.

To recall, Pope Francis visited Morocco on March 30 and 31 for his first visit to the country (and the first of a pope since the enthronement of King Mohammed VI). The last visit of a pope dates back to 1985 during the visit of Pope John Paul II to the kingdom at the invitation of the late King Hassan II.