Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa  begins his pastoral visit to the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in the town of Al-Husun, Jordan, from Thursday, April 23, 2026, until Sunday, April 26, 2026. This visit is a spiritual stop marked by closeness, pastoral care, and ecclesial communion.

Cardinal Pizzaballa will be welcomed by parish priest Fr. Wajdi Sahawneh and vicar priest Fr. Paolo Felicetti. The visit will begin with Vesper Prayer and conclude with the celebration of Good Shepherd Sunday.

Throughout the visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa will meet with parish members and its various groups, clergy from other churches, local authorities, and representatives of educational institutions, including schools and universities. He will also preside over the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation for a number of parish members.

These days will be filled with prayer, sharing, and fraternal encounters, offering an opportunity to highlight the rich history of this ancient town and the journey of the  Latin Community within it.

Al-Husun… a historical town

The town of Al-Husun is located about eight kilometers south of Irbid, in northern Jordan. It is considered one of the Jordanian towns with a long-standing Christian presence, which has, over the decades, formed a living model of diversity and rooted ecclesial life.

The name “Al-Husun” carries multiple historical and linguistic meanings. In Arabic, it refers to a fortified place. Some researchers link the name to the hill, located north of the town, while others suggest that its ancient Greek name was Hypos, meaning “horse,” and that it was one of the cities of the Decapolis during the Roman period.

Archaeological findings further attest to the region’s significance across the ages, revealing the remains of Roman structures, ancient reservoirs, and early churches adorned with finely crafted mosaic floors, richly decorated with intricate plant and animal motifs.

Christian Presence and Social Fabric

Historical statistics show that Al-Husun was one of the main Christian centers in northern Jordan, with Christians making up about 77 per cent of its population in the late 19th century. Their presence has remained active and influential over the decades.

To this day, the town maintains a vibrant and deeply rooted Christian presence, alongside a distinctive model of Muslim-Christian coexistence. Al-Husun is often cited as an example of fraternity, cooperation, and mutual respect among all its communities.

The town is home to several churches and ecclesial communities, including  the Latin Parish – Church of the Immaculate Conception, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, as well as Saints Peter and Paul Greek Catholic Church in addition to other groups that reflect the richness of Christian diversity in the town.