Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem issues Christmas message

December 22, 2012: In his Christmas message, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem reviewed the year’s developments in interreligious and ecumenical relations as well as local political developments.

“Interreligious dialogue can only bear fruits in acts of mutual respect,” said Patriarch Fouad Twal. “I reiterate my dismay at the desecration of churches, convents, synagogues and cemeteries that offends everyone.”

“The joy of Christmas is overshadowed by the staggering violence in Syria,” he continued. “We are full of compassion for the victims and our Church actively participates in receiving 250,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan. We also pray for Jordan to maintain its stability and common sense that it always had.”

The patriarch also called upon President Barack Obama to take “immediate action in working for the two-state solution” toward Israeli-Palestinian peace and observed that “overall, Christian emigration [from Jerusalem] appears to be slowing.”