Jordan at the Vatican

This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received their Majesties, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania in audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace.  Their Majesties, the Hashemite sovereigns subsequently met with His Eminence, Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, and with His Excellency, Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, some subjects of common interest were discussed, including the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East, with particular concern for the re-establishment of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and the question of Jerusalem.  Special attention was paid to the tragic situation currently facing the country of Syria; in this regard, there was a reaffirmation that the path of dialogue and negotiation between all components of the Syrian society, with the support of the international community is the only viable option for bringing an end to conflict and violence which daily causes the loss of so many human lives, above all among the unarmed and innocent population.

Appreciation was also expressed for King Abdullah’s support in the ongoing inter-religious dialogue and for the initiative taken in convoking a conference in Aman at the beginning of September to discuss the challenges that Christians in the Middle East are facing, particularly during this period of socio-political change.  Finally, the positive contributions on the part of the Christian community toward the larger society of the region, of which they are an integral part, were highlighted.