Following is the text of the message dated December 17,2024 and addressed by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, marking the  appointment of Fr. Iyad Twal as auxilaiary bishop for Jordan: 

"Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her (Is. 66,10)

Dearest brothers and sisters,

may the Lord give you peace!

With gratitude and joy I announce to you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has designated Fr. Iyad Twal as Auxiliary Bishop for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and has assigned him the Titular See of Siminina. Strengthened by the fullness of priestly ministry, the Bishop-elect shall begin a new mission as Patriarchal Vicar for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Fr. Iyad was born and raised in Jordan, but has served the Church of Jerusalem extensively in a variety of roles. In recent years he has been especially focused on teaching and administration in the field  higher education at Bethlehem University. After years of priestly ministry, he is now called from the very heart of the Mother Church to be a Successor of the Apostles with the mandate to teach, govern and sanctify the People of God.

Dear brothers and sisters, earthly Jerusalem and heavenly Jerusalem join in prayer and celebration for this brother of ours who has been elevated to episcopal dignity. In the name of the entire Latin Patriarchate, I wish the Bishop-elect every success and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, I invoke upon them the blessing of Almighty God.

Given in our Patriarchate on December 17, 2024, the Memorial of Saint Modestus.

† Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem