On Friday, September 19, 2025, His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, patronized the graduation ceremony of the 11^th batch of the American University of Madaba (AUM) students during which he pointed out that all the institutions affiliated with the Latin Patriarchate are designed to building bridges with society, as well as among the various sects and ethnic groups that acquire education in this university, where they find an impregnable fortress of love, brotherhood, and the family spirit.

 At the outset of his address, Cardinal Pizzaballa said, “I  have come to you from Jerusalem, which greets you, greets your love, and greets your solidarity. I express this profound brotherhood and friendship between Jerusalem and Amman. May God salute both Jerusalem and Amman.” He stressed that this day is a source of “ ripe fruits and jubilation” for the graduates and their families who have strived to see this joyful day in their lives, as well as the lives of their children.

 He added that the AUM is a source of cultural, intellectual and distinguished glowing quality in Jordan and in the world. It was established by the Latin Patriarchate in 2009, when its foundation stone was laid by Pope Benedict XVI.  Since then, the AUM started to flourish when His Majesty King Abdullah II  patronized its official inauguration in 2013. Today it marks the graduation of its 11^th batch of its  students.

He thanked everyone who contributed to the progress of this university, and conveyed well-wishes to Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. Azzam Shweihat, to AUM President Professor Mamoun Akroush, and  to its members of staff. He continued that the employment rate among its graduates has reached 95 per cent which is a record number attained in a record time.

Cardinal Pizzaballa stated that the progress attained by the AUM is a sign of the security and stability prevailing in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan which is attributed to the wise leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein Ibn Abdullah II, and to everyone who  sincerely works in favor of Jordan's interests, progress, and prosperity.

Then, he lauded Jordan's diplomacy  which has a universal model in the quest to set in peace and justice in the region and the entire world. His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa also made a reference to Gaza, which he visited a few weeks ago and saw the extent of the destruction and the absence of education, of schools, and of universities that once prided themselves with preparing the youth to serve their homeland.

He plead with the Almighty  God “to instill the blessing of peace, to end the conflagration, and to help deliver aid to the people of Gaza and to all of Palestine, so that normal life would be restored after much effort and suffering, associated with the restoration of scholastic and university education.” He added,  “Let us mark this graduation ceremony as an event for bringing about peace and justice, in addition to supporting the Jordanian diplomatic and humanitarian efforts  in the entire world.”

Addressing the graduates, Cardinal Pizzaballa said, “You are the future and you are the hope. You know that this year is the Year of Hope, the year of the Jubilee. You are the jubilee graduates of the blessed jubilee of 2025. Next month, we will mark the Jubilee twice, namely the jubilee of the educators: schools and universities. It is a year of the Christian calendar marking the nativity of Lord Jesus Christ, whose baptism in the blessed Jordan River will be celebrated in five years' time.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV statement, "Now is the time for dialogue and building bridges,” he expressed hope that this university will continue its cultural and spiritual mission to disseminate the culture of dialogue as a means for mutual cooperation and understanding to serve as a method and  a standard.

He went on to say that all the Latin Patriarchate-affiliated institutions are designed to building bridges with society, among Muslims and Christians, as well as among the various sects and ethnic groups that acquire education in this university, where they find  an impregnable fortress of love, brotherhood, and family spirit. He concluded his address  by congratulating the graduates, their families, and the entire members staff  while pleading that this university would remain a beacon of knowledge and  education, and a place exuding love, brotherhood, and hope.

It is worthy  to note that the AUM, whose motto is  “Sapientia et Scientia” (wisdom and knowledge), had its foundation stone blessed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. In his blessing, the Pope confirmed the role of AUM as “a place of understanding and dialogue” and added that students, while assimilating their own culture, “will be led to a deeper knowledge of human cultural achievements, will be enriched by other viewpoints and [will be] formed in comprehension, tolerance and peace.” The AUM currently offers bachelor’s degrees for 19 majors and two graduate degrees in seven faculties, namely engineering, science, health sciences, information technology, art and design, business, languages and communication. It offers a unique learning experience through innovative programs within a multicultural perspective. At AUM, students can take advantage of opportunities offered at large institutions, while studying in small, personalized classes supported by a caring environment.

The AUM serves as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment that opens doors wide for students to enter professions with proficiency and with unwavering commitment in the pursuit of the common good. It, furthermore, helps snatch people out of unemployment by doing its best to sscreate promising atmospheres for a bright future.