On Friday, October 10, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, began a pastoral visit to Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Karak which is part of his ongoing follow-up of the parishioners in the various parishes, as it is designed to be familiarized with their faith and pastoral affairs.

Upon arrival, he was received by parish priest Fr. Ala’ Ba'ir, the priests of the southern parishes, nuns, and parishioners from various apostolic congregations. Patriarch Pizzaballa began his visit with a prayer vigil in the church, then visited a number of families in their homes and administered communion to the sick. Then, he visited the Greek Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches, where he was welcomed by the priests and parishioners of both churches in an atmosphere of love and fraternal unity.

During his visit, he also met with members of the local community as well as with a number of dignitaries in Karak, where emphasis was made on the firm fraternal relations between Muslims and Christians in the city, which constitute a model to be emulated in common living, harmony, and brotherhood among the people of the extended nation. Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed his appreciation for Karak's model of national unity, and lauded the spirit of cooperation and love.

Later,  he held another meeting with the parish's apostolic figures, thanked the participants for their commitment to serving the Church, and emphasized the importance of living the Christian witness based on faith, work, and love. The day concluded with a communal dinner with the parishioners, in an atmosphere of joy and mutual appreciation for this distinguished paternal visit.

It is worthy to note that His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s pastoral visit to the Latin Parish of Karak is scheduled to continue until Sunday, October 12, marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of Our Lady of the Rosary Latin Parish of Karak.