Keywords: Pilgrims


Over one million muslims begin Hajj in Mecca amid extreme heat and Middle East tensions

More than 1.5 million Muslims have begun the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, taking place this year under extreme heat conditions and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The pilgrimage is being held in Saudi Arabia as temperatures......

Morocco manages hajj 2026 with coordinated airport operations

Morocco conducted the outbound phase of Hajj 2026 from May 5 to 21, coordinating across the national airport network. The operation, one of the largest annual mobilizations in the country's air transport sector, ensured Moroccan pilgrims departed for the holy sites with smooth processes, organized......

Morocco launches digital Hajj platform for 34,000 pilgrims

Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has introduced a new mobile application designed to assist Moroccan pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season, as authorities prepare for the departure of around 34,000 nationals to Saudi Arabia later this month. The platform, called “Rakb Al Hajj,”......

St. Francis of Assisi’s bones go on display for first time

The remains of St. Francis of Assisi have been put on public display for the first time in nearly eight centuries, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the Umbrian hill town where the revered friar lived and died. Enclosed in a nitrogen-filled, bulletproof plexiglass case inscribed with the Latin......

Rome draws record 33.5 million pilgrims for Holy Year

The Vatican announced Monday that 33.5 million pilgrims visited Rome for the Catholic Holy Year 2025, shattering the previous record of 25 million from the 2000 Jubilee and delivering a major boost to the city's tourism sector. Pope Leo XIV will formally close the Holy Year Tuesday at St. Peter's......

Saudi Arabia launches world's largest cooling system for Hajj pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of the world’s largest cooling system at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where pilgrims are gathering to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.4 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, which kicked off today. Saudi authorities promised......

HM King Mohammed VI urges Moroccan pilgrims to embody national values during Hajj 1446

His Majesty King Mohammed VI has conveyed a heartfelt message to Moroccan pilgrims embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage this year, 1446 AH. The address was delivered by the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, during a ceremony at Rabat-Salé airport marking the departure of the......

Morocco deploys medical team to support pilgrims during Hajj 2025

In a ceremony held Monday in Rabat, health minister Amine Tahraoui officially welcomed the Moroccan medical mission set to accompany pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season. The mission’s sole goal is to ensure Moroccan pilgrims receive proper medical care throughout their stay in the holy sites. The......

Saudi Arabia halts short-term visas for 14 countries, including Morocco, ahead of Hajj

Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of short-term visa issuance for citizens from 14 countries, including Morocco, as part of its efforts to regulate the upcoming Hajj season and prevent unauthorized pilgrimages. This measure will take effect in mid-April and continue until mid-June 2025,......