Teenager arrested after rushing Pope's motorcade wanted help for sick parents
A teenager who rushed towards a motorcade carrying King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Pope Francis intended to "appeal to the King due to a health issue pertaining to his parents," Morocco's national security agency said.
The 17-year-old breached security and ran toward the King's car in Rabat on Saturday, video from the scene shows, before being restrained by men in suits.
The moment the teen rushed towards the Pope in Morocco CNN
The Moroccan General Directorate for National Security said he was apprehended, and the country's MAP news agency later said he had been arrested.
Pope Frances is visiting Morocco AAP
CNN's Delia Gallagher, travelling with the Pope, said there was no indication that Francis was aware of the incident. The pool reporter made no mention of the incident in her reports on Saturday.
The teenager's current status is unclear.
Pope Francis spent the weekend on an official visit to Morocco, where he attempted to bridge the gap between the country's majority-Muslim population and the few Catholic residents. AAP
Pope Francis spent the weekend on an official visit to Morocco, where he attempted to bridge the gap between the country's majority-Muslim population and the few Catholic residents.
The Pope later spoke to a crowd of thousands in the country's capital, Rabat, before holding meetings with Islamic leaders. AAP
"Dear Moroccan friends, I am coming as a pilgrim of peace and fraternity," he tweeted ahead of the visit on Friday.
"We Christians and Muslims believe in God, the Creator and the Merciful, who created people to live like brothers and sisters, respecting each other in their diversity, and helping one another in their needs," he said.
He later spoke to a crowd of thousands in the country's capital, Rabat, before holding meetings with Islamic leaders.
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