Jordan at the Vatican

This morning, the Holy Father received in audience His Majesty, King Abdullah II of Jordan, who afterwards met with His Eminence, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

The cordial conversations focused above all on the theme of the promotion of peace and stability in the Mideast, with particular reference to the question of Jerusalem and the role of the Hashemite Sovereign as Custodian of the Holy Places. In this context, the commitment was renewed to encourage negotiations among the interested parties, as well as promoting inter-religious dialogue.

Finally, the importance of helping Christians remain in the Mideast was brought up, and the positive contributions that they bring to the societies of the region, of which they are an integral part.