Pope Francis meets with King Abdullah II of Jordan
(Vatican Radio) Peace and stability in the Middle East was the focus of Pope Francis’
meeting with the king of Jordan, Abdullah II.
The Holy Father on Thursday morning
received in audience the Jordanian king and his wife, Queen Rania in the Vatican,
along with a small delegation from Jordan. After exchanging cordial greetings with
the king and queen, the Holy Father met with them privately for about 20 minutes before
greeting the rest of the delegation.
Following the meeting with the pope, King
Abdullah and several members of his delegation sat down with Secretary of State Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with
States.
Several themes were touched upon throughout the morning, including
the negotiations which have resumed between Israelis and Palestinians, and on the
question of Jerusalem.
Particular attention was given to the crisis in Syria.
It was said that the path of dialogue and negotiation between all components of Syrian
society, with the support of the international community, is the only option for putting
an end to the conflict and the violence which every day claims many lives, including
the helpless civilian population.
Also during meetings, King Abdullah was commended
for his commitment in the field of interreligious dialogue, including next month’s
conference in Amman which will focus on the challenges Christians will have to face
in the Middle East during this period of socio-political transformation.
Finally,
acknowledgement was given for the positive contribution that Christian communities
bring to the local society, of which they are an integral part.