Following the publication in several newspapers of pictures of the Pope blessing children presented as Sahrawis, the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the Kingdom of Morocco points out, in a statement received Saturday by MAP, that "the position of the Holy See on the Sahara issue has not changed," while condemning the political exploitation of these pictures.

"The weekly audiences that the Holy Father gives to pilgrims around the world are of a purely pastoral nature" and "have no political connotations," the statement added.

Several newspapers had published articles and pictures conveying inaccurate or incomplete information, showing the Pope blessing children presented as Sahrawis.

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS