“The Hashemite family has always supported the importance of the Christian component and role in Jordan and in Jerusalem.”
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa has lauded His Majesty King Abdullah II’s “strong and loud” voice, which is a guarantee of preserving the status quo in Jerusalem, especially with regard to the holy sites, in light of “conflicts in the historical city.”
In a press statement to Jordan News Agency, Petra, on Saturday, January 16, marking his nomination as Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, he stressed the importance of Jordan’s “pioneering” role and His Majesty King Abdullah II’s efforts, in his capacity as the Hashemite custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which aims at preserving its sanctities and ensuring a balance among the city’s various components.
“Christians in the region have gone through difficult conditions in Syria, Iraq and other places, except Jordan, the only country in which we have not seen those hardships,” he said, adding that “the Hashemite family has always supported the importance of the Christian component and role in Jordan and in Jerusalem.”
Referring to his talks with His Majesty King Abdullah II, he said the Church’s role focusing on the Jerusalemite community’s unity and preserving the status quo was discussed, in addition to the importance of promoting coexistence, and dialogue.
Affirming the “distinguished” relationship between His Majesty the King and the Vatican, he noted that the King met with the Pope more than once, and the two sides share common principles in terms of supporting the culture of peace and moderation, in addition to promoting common living and dialogue, and rejecting violence. He also expressed hope for more joint cooperation.
Source: petra.gov.jo
