Cardinal Pietro Parolin concluded his visit to Jordan where he inaugurated the Latin Baptism Church on behalf of Pope Francis, met with King Abdullah and other leaders, participated in various community events, and underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue and humanitarian aid efforts.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State for the Holy See, completed his distinguished visit to Jordan on Tuesday. During this trip, he presided over a special Mass marking the inauguration of the Latin Baptism Church at the historic Baptism site, representing Pope Francis in celebrating the silver jubilee of the Catholic National Pilgrimage in Jordan. Cardinal Parolin engaged with significant leaders, including His Majesty King Abdullah and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and attended various events reflecting Jordan’s vibrant pastoral, ecclesiastical, humanitarian, social, and tourism sectors.
Throughout his visit, Cardinal Parolin highlighted Jordan as a beacon of coexistence and commended King Abdullah’s commitment to nurturing the Christian community and fostering peace in the region. The Cardinal’s interactions with leaders of various Christian denominations emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and harmony, illustrating the Holy See’s dedication to these principles. He also visited Caritas Jordan, observing poverty alleviation efforts and humanitarian work being conducted for vulnerable populations, including refugees from Gaza.
The visit included notable meetings with representatives from different Christian sectors, such as the Greek Orthodox and Lutheran churches, and culminated in a gathering at the Convent of the Visitation of the Rosary Sisters with papal ambassadors from 14 Middle Eastern nations. Cardinal Parolin expressed optimism about potential unification efforts for Easter celebrations, signaling a desire for greater ecumenical collaboration among faith communities.
The visit of Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Jordan is significant within the context of interfaith relations and the Catholic Church’s engagement with local communities. Jordan is known for promoting coexistence among its diverse religious population, which includes numerous Christian denominations. Cardinal Parolin’s role as the papal envoy to inaugurate the Latin Baptism Church underscores the Vatican’s recognition of Jordan’s efforts to support and protect religious minorities, particularly Christians. The meetings with leaders across different Christian communities reflect the Church’s mission to foster dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, and work toward peace in the Middle East.
In summary, Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s recent visit to Jordan not only marked a significant religious event with the inauguration of the Latin Baptism Church but also reinforced the Vatican’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. His discussions with local and regional leaders reflect an ongoing effort to preserve and promote Christian presence in a predominantly Muslim region, while also addressing the humanitarian needs of vulnerable communities. Ultimately, this visit serves as a reminder of the importance of coexistence and collaboration among diverse faiths in achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
