Pope Francis arrived to Rabat to support the existing relations between the Muslims and the Catholics. Although Morocco is predominantly a Muslim country, foreigners who reside here are free to practice their religion openly. There are 33,000 Catholics in Morocco, primarily students from Africa. The Pope is visiting to encourage the community. Pope Francis was invited by King Mohammed VI to visit Morocco 34 years ago and Pope John Paul II was invited by King Hassan II. Relations since then have continued to improve.