King Abdullah II of Jordan reaffirmed his nation’s historic custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem during an official visit to the Vatican on Tuesday, where he met Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace, accompanied by Queen Rania Al Abdullah.
King Abdullah’s first meeting with the pontiff since Pope Leo’s inauguration in May underscored the long-standing partnership between Jordan and the Holy See and their shared commitment to advancing peace, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue.
Strengthening Religious Dialogue
Discussions focused on cooperation between Jordan and the Vatican in safeguarding places of worship and promoting tolerance across the region. The King highlighted Jordan’s enduring role, under the Hashemite Custodianship, in protecting both Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, a responsibility rooted in decades of history and international recognition.
He warned of the dangers posed by repeated Israeli violations at holy sites in Jerusalem, emphasizing that maintaining respect for their sanctity is essential to regional stability and to the global values of religious coexistence.
Invitation to the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ
During the meeting, King Abdullah invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the site recognized by the Vatican as the location of the baptism of Jesus Christ. The site, a UNESCO World Heritage location, remains a cornerstone of Jordan’s Christian heritage and a symbol of peaceful coexistence.
Peace in the Holy Land and Humanitarian Aid
The King also stressed the urgent need to implement agreements to end the war in Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. He reiterated that lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through a two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Accompanied by Senior Officials
The royal delegation included Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, the King’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, who has long played a key role in Jordan’s efforts to foster interfaith understanding.
A Renewed Commitment
The meeting reaffirmed Jordan’s position as a vital bridge between faiths and as a steadfast protector of religious heritage. As relations between Amman and the Vatican continue to deepen, the visit symbolized not only diplomatic collaboration but a shared moral mission: to preserve the sacred, protect the vulnerable, and promote peace in a region that remains at the heart of the world’s spiritual map.
