On the 11th anniversary of the late Pope Francis’ visit to Jordan

The month of May marks the 11th anniversary of the visit of the late Pope Francis to our Jordanian holy land  that was on the first leg of his pilgrimage to the Holy Sites, which is reminiscent the 50th anniversary of the visit of Pope Paul VI.

This visit took place in response to an invitation extended to the Pope by King Abdullah II to visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as well as in response to an invitation by the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, chaired by the Latin Patriarch, in addition to His Holiness' personal desire to visit the Holy Land.

Pope Francis' visit deepened diplomatic relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Holy See, as it took place on its 20th anniversary in 1994. These relations have always been characterized by friendship and cooperation for the good of humanity, for the protection of the Holy Land, and for supporting Jordan's tireless efforts for the attainment of justice and peace in the region. It was also an opportunity to promote religious tourism to the Kingdom's archaeological holy sites, particularly the Baptism Site. ( A discussion will follow later on the development of diplomatic relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Holy See during the reign of Pope Francis)

Pope Francis--known for his simplicity, humility, as well as his call for peace and dialogue--came at a time when the region continued to suffer from political complexities, violations of human dignity, and attacks on life. This visit was a cry for peace, at a time when he praised the efforts undertaken by King Abdullah II, whom he referred to as a "man of peace." This visit was an expression support for Jordan's assiduous commitment to achieving peace and justice, particularly in Palestine, where a Jordanian helicopter landed directly from Amman Airport to Bethlehem, where he celebrated solemn Mass and stood at the separation wall in a moving prayer. His concern for Syrian refugees, whom he met at the Baptism Site was explicit, in addition to his support for Jordanian initiatives designed  to preserve the Arab Christian identity, for the elimination of violence and attacks on holy sites, and for rejecting undermining human dignity.

Pope Francis has emphasized since the first days of his papacy his desire to pursue interfaith dialogue--particularly, as he phrased it as "dialogue with Islam and Muslims"--in order to deepen the good relations that bind Muslims and Christians in these Arab countries since ancient times. The previous papal visits have contributed to intensifying calls for mutual respect and intensifying efforts designed to respect religious plurality in an atmosphere of love, cooperation, and in a spirit of true citizenship. It is worthy to note that the visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Dicastery for Interfaith Dialogue, as well as the document "Nostra Aetate," which opened the door wide  for dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

Furthermore, while we mourn the passing of the humble Pope, we thank him for his love for Jordan, for his constant praise for Jordan's welcoming stands towards displaced persons, and his calls for peace in Palestine. His Holiness, may his soul rest in peace, had friendship with His Majesty the King, may God protect him. At all the times I had the honor of meet with him--the last of which at the end of January 2025, when I presented him with a painting of the new Baptism Site Church--he always said, "Give my regards to His Majesty the King, for he is a man of peace.

May your soul rest in peace, Pope Francis.