The Latin Ecclesiastical Court of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Amman has signed a cooperation agreement with Sagesse University in Beirut to offer a specialized diploma in ecclesiastical law for Jordanian lawyers seeking to practice in the ecclesiastical courts of the Latin Patriarchate, as well as for judicial personnel working in Catholic courts.

• Objectives of the Agreement

This agreement aims to foster academic collaboration between the Latin Ecclesiastical Court and Sagesse University by providing specialized education in ecclesiastical law. The program is designed to equip lawyers and judicial employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide legal counsel and represent clients before Catholic ecclesiastical courts, thereby contributing to the administration of justice within the framework of canon law and legal rights.

• Details of the Academic Program

The diploma program will be offered at the headquarters of the Latin Ecclesiastical Court in Amman, where participants will receive in-depth instruction on ecclesiastical laws, marriage disputes, and legal rights. The certificate will be awarded by the Faculty of Canon Law at Sagesse University, an institution recognized by the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome.

• Signing Ceremony and Official Statements

The signing ceremony was attended by a number of academic and ecclesiastical leaders. The agreement was signed on behalf of Sagesse University by Professor George Naimah, President of the University, and on behalf of the Latin Ecclesiastical Court of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem by Father Dr. Aktham Hijazin, President of the Court in Amman. Also present were Monsignor Dr. Nabih Moueid, Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law, and Father Dr. Humam Khzouz, Judge at the Ecclesiastical Court.

Professor George emphasized that this agreement is supported by Bishop Boulos Abdel-Sater and encouraged by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. It aims to provide a specialized academic environment to meet the needs of lawyers seeking to specialize in ecclesiastical law.

Father Aktham Hijazin expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, noting that the establishment of a specialized academic framework within the Ecclesiastical Court in Jordan will enhance the legal competence of professionals in this field. Mons. Nabih highlighted that this agreement further strengthens the role of Sagesse University as a leading academic authority in ecclesiastical law, opening new avenues for future collaboration.

• Towards a More Collaborative Future

This agreement marks a significant step toward advancing ecclesiastical law education in Jordan, fostering the development of a new generation of legal experts specializing in ecclesiastical matters. It also underscores Sagesse University’s commitment to offering specialized academic programs that address the needs of the Church and family, with a vision for additional collaborative projects in the future.