On Monday, March 11, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, celebrated a festive Holy Mass at St. Mary of Nazareth Church in Amman. The Holy Mass was concelebrated by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and heads of the Catholic Churches in the Holy Land, in addition to Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan Bishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, Apostolic Nuncio in Jerusalem Bishop Adolfo Tito Yilana, and the Custos of the Holy Land Fr. Francesco Patton in the presence of a number of priests from various Catholic Churches, nuns, and a large number of believers.

At the outset of his homily, Archbishop Gallagher extended “the greetings and blessings of His Holiness Pope Francis to all those present – Latin, Melkite, Syriac, Maronite and Chaldean – priests, religious and faithful, as well as to their families and communities, especially the Christian refugees from Palestine, Iraq and Syria.”

 He pointed out that his current visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan takes place “because, 30 years ago, Pope St. John Paul II and King Hussein Ibn Talal decided to establish diplomatic relations to strengthen the long-standing relationship of respect and friendship that had already existed between the Holy See and Jordan.”

He added that the Holy See regards the diplomatic relations “as an instrument to support the freedom of the Catholic Church in the country and the defence and promotion of humans, based on the values of justice, truth, freedom and love.” He stressed that “these principles have always characterized our friendly relations with Jordan. In this country, the Catholic Church is both fervent and active, and it can engage in pastoral activity in a free and fruitful fashion, providing especially important ministry to young people.”

 Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher addressed the believers saying, “You bear witness to the fact that to be "less" numerous than the vast majority is not to be "less" Christian. Quite the opposite! If we are few in number, it means that we need to show ever more authentically and consistently that we are not afraid to live the Gospel.”

He also addressed the Churches throughout the entire Middle East saying, “Be courageous! Always have hope! … You are aware that in some countries Christians cannot pray in their own language, in others they cannot build churches, in others they do not have the freedom to participate in political and social life, in others they experience real and violent persecution. In spite of this, Jesus consoles us saying “Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” We must be in solidarity with their suffering. Let us continue to work tirelessly for their free adherence to Christ and pray for them.”

He stressed that Pope Francis who will mark on Wednesday, the 13th of March, the 11th anniversary of his election as Pontiff, “has a special concern for the entire Middle East. He follows with great attention what is happening in Israel and Palestine and, as you well know, he is in constant contact with the Catholic community in Gaza.”

 He continued that “Pope Francis, together with the whole Church, prays that in Israel and Palestine, and throughout the region, weapons will cease to fire, that people will no longer be killed, that hostages will be released, that the wounded will be helped and that aid will reach those who are in need.”

He concluded his homily saying, “Ten years ago, here in Amman, Pope Francis said: Let us ask the Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts to encounter our brothers and sisters, so that we may overcome our differences rooted in political thinking, language, culture and religion. Let us ask him to anoint our whole being with the oil of his mercy, which heals the injuries caused by mistakes, misunderstandings and disputes. And let us ask Him for the grace to send us forth, in humility and meekness, along the demanding but enriching path of seeking peace. Amen.”