Following is an exclusive interview with Jordanian Ambassador to the Holy See Makram M. Queisi:

Question:
This is the first papal visit. In your capacity as the ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Holy See-Vatican, how do you view the preparations for the Pope’s trip?

Answer:
Pope Francis' visit to the Kingdom is the very first visit he is undertaking outside the Vatican since he took the responsibility as head of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, where his first visit to Brazil was scheduled prior to his election as pontiff. This is an indication of Jordan’s cementation of its global role in enhancing reconciliation, harmony and renunciation of violence. It is well-known that the first papal visit to Jordan was in 1964 where Pope Paul VI was the first pontiff to leave the Vatican. Another visit was by Pope John Paul II in 2000, followed by a visit by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

The papal visit has great importance in terms of significance and connotation. Thus, the political leadership—that inherited the Hashemite legacy and the prominent role of reinforcing the approach towards integration, religious coexistence and renunciation of violence as well as promoting tolerance among Muslims and Christian--has paid great attention to the visit whereby all concerned parties were instructed to do their utmost to ensure the success of this visit.

On the popular level, the papal visit to Jordan is strongly welcomed by the popular functionaries being a historic one and a message to the world that incorporates the leading role His Majesty the King and His Holiness the Pope are playing to spread the values of justice and peace in this region, which has suffered greatly from the ramifications of conflict and instability.

At the media level, more than a thousand journalists will cover the visit, including seventy journalists who will accompany the Pope. What brings satisfaction are the preparations provided by the government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as well as by the popular functionaries that welcome the grand guest who will proceed to Al Huseiniyah Palace to meet with His Majesty the King where he will be accorded a sublime reception at the Royal Palace.

Question:
You have accompanied His Majesty King Abdullah on his second visit to the Vatican. A “warm” and cordial atmosphere prevailed during the meeting between Pope Francis and the King. How can you elaborate on the relationship between the leaders of Jordan and the Holy See?

Answer: I had the honor to accompany His Majesty the King during his visit to the Vatican. I am also grateful for terming the meeting as cordial. I can actually say that the atmosphere was warm being away from formalities. I believe that the personal relationship between the King and his Holiness the Pope played a pivotal role in imparted this warm atmosphere on the latest meeting.

What can be added to this is the Holy See’s appreciation of the pivotal role Jordan plays under the leadership of His Majesty the King in the field of interfaith dialogue, in the need to maintain moderation and tolerance, as well as in unveiling the true image of Islam--which is partnering with Christianity in spreading the message of peace and compassion among the followers of the divine religions and even among human beings on the whole.

The Holy See also highly values the significant role played by His Majesty the Hashemite King in caring for the Christians of the East where the Christians in Jordan was not subjected to any kind of forced migration through its history since they are considered as a major component of the magnificent mosaic enjoyed in the country.

Question:
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first papal visit in 1964, and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the distinguished relations between the two friendly countries. What are the aspects of cooperation between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Vatican?

Answer: It is evident that the relationship between the two countries are distinguished based on the fact that His Majesty King Abdullah met Pope Francis twice in less than a year. The meeting due to take place within the framework of this visit will dedicate Jordan as an oasis of peace and religious tolerance, being the third in less than a year, which is clearly indicative of the important and strong relations that bind the Vatican and Jordan.

The visit also highlights the sanctity of the place and of the Jordanian soil. It is a Vatican testament that Jordan is a major part of the great pilgrimage. With regards to the cooperation between Jordan and the Vatican, they are diverse and constantly developing. The Vatican had welcomed the open historic message addressed by a broad spectrum of prominent Muslim ulemas worldwide to Christian leaders in the world on October 13, 2007. I would like also to refer to the initiative based on the teachings of the Koran, the Torah and the Bible which stress that the greatest values in the Islamic and the Christian religions are the love of God and the love of neighbors. Based on this, the Vatican held the first International Islamic Catholic Forum on November 4-6, 2008.

I would like also to acknowledge Jordan’s pride in the relations with the Vatican and appreciation for the efforts of the peace-loving people in the world who promote the values of tolerance and love, which are a component of Christianity and Islam. This was accentuated by Jordan in all initiatives including holding several conferences which call for tolerance and moderation such as the first conference on the Christians of the East.

Question: The pamphlets welcoming the Pope in Amman read:”Pope Francis of humility and simplicity is welcome in the house of the King of moderation Abdullah II”. What is expected from the upcoming visit? How will it contribute to the promotion of religious tourism to our dear country?

Answer: The description of His Holiness Pope Francis as Pope of humility and simplicity did not come from a vacuum, as everyone knows that these are his characters in all areas of his work and life. Among the most prominent examples on this is what is circulated among Jordanians that His Holiness performed confession in front of an ordinary priest which provide proof of his humility.

The visit also comes at a time when instability prevails in the region, and thus proves that Jordan is a model of a stable state in the region. As you know, Jordan has many religious Islamic and Christian sites, and this visit is a historic opportunity, like the ones before, as it serves as a reminiscent of the Baptism Site, which is considered one of the most holy religious sites for our fellow Christians. Furthermore, a large number of journalists from various countries around the world will cover the visit which reminds the world of the Jordanian model of tolerance, coexistence that distinguish it from other countries in the troubled region. The visit will also contribute in the promotion of tourism to the Kingdom by placing it within the global religious world tourism map. This will consequently enhances its investment opportunities by attracting tourists to the various touristic sites in Jordan.

Question: Our churches and societies welcome the Pope. How does the ambassador welcome Pope Francis?

Answer: I welcome him in the first place as a human being because I know that His Holiness has described himself as such in the statement he made to the newspaper Corriere della Sera saying that "portraying the Pope as a superman or a star is humiliating."

I welcome him as the head of the Catholic Church in the world, and also as head of state with which we have friendly and constructive cooperation. I welcome him as a symbol of humility and dissemination of tolerance and peace. I welcome him as a Jordanian who lives in a country where its sons enjoy cordial relationships regardless of religion, race or origin. They are all equal before the law. I recall that during one of my visits to the city of Madaba, as a child, I never noticed any difference between Muslims and Christians. The traditional attires are worn by Muslims, Christians are uniform. The traditional dresses of women and the customs are the same. What applies to Madaba is found on every spot of the Jordanian territory where Muslims live with their Christian brethren. This confirms that the Jordan enjoys a unique situation in the region.