Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, concluded his visit to Jordan, where he presided over the Mass inaugurating the Latin Baptism Church. He met with King Abdullah and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, participated in interfaith discussions, and visited several humanitarian organizations and religious sites, advocating for peace and coexistence in the region.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, concluded his visit to Jordan, where he presided over the Mass inaugurating the Latin Baptism Church of Christ at the Baptism site. This event was significant as it marked the silver jubilee of the Catholic Church’s National Pilgrimage. During his time in Jordan, Cardinal Parolin met with His Majesty King Abdullah and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, participating in various events across pastoral, ecclesiastical, humanitarian, and tourism sectors, as noted by the Catholic Centre for Studies and Media.
The Cardinal praised Jordan as a model of coexistence, commending the leadership of His Majesty for supporting the Christian presence and promoting peace in the region. He engaged in discussions with representatives from various Catholic churches in Jordan, focusing on interfaith dialogue and Muslim-Christian harmony. These vital discussions also touched on the Holy See’s commitment to peace and the proposed unification of Easter celebrations among Christian denominations.
Furthermore, Cardinal Parolin met with leaders from multiple Christian denominations, including the Greek Orthodox and Evangelical Episcopal churches. He visited Caritas Jordan, observing their efforts to aid refugees and vulnerable populations, along with the humanitarian initiatives by Catholic Relief Services directed at Gaza. His itinerary included visits to notable religious sites, such as the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Salt.
The visit concluded with Cardinal Parolin chairing a meeting at the Convent of the Visitation, attended by papal ambassadors from 14 Middle Eastern countries, together with Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan, Giovanni Dal Toso. This trip not only highlighted the Vatican’s diplomatic efforts but also reinforced the importance of interfaith collaboration in fostering peace and stability in the region.
The visit of Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Jordan is part of the Holy See’s ongoing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, particularly in promoting dialogue between different faiths and communities. Jordan has been recognized for its relatively stable and inclusive environment for various religious groups, which makes it an ideal setting for discussions on coexistence and peace initiatives. The inauguration of the Latin Baptism Church of Christ coincides with an important milestone for the Catholic Church in Jordan, emphasizing its role in the broader religious landscape of the region.
In summary, Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s visit to Jordan represented a crucial step in strengthening interfaith dialogue and enhancing the bonds between different Christian communities. His affirmation of Jordan as a model of coexistence and his engagement with various religious leaders illustrate the Vatican’s commitment to peace and stability in the region. Through his meetings and visits to significant religious sites and humanitarian organizations, the Cardinal has underscored the vital role of faith in moving towards a harmonious future.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
