Patriarch Twal on the Pope’s pilgrimage

In his Lenten message, published only in Arabic thus far, the Patriarch said: “On May 24, 25 and 26, the Pope will be our guest when he comes as a pilgrim to the places which the Lord has blessed by his birth, his baptism, his preaching, his passion, his death and his resurrection." The Patriarch expressed the hope that the visit would “strengthen our faith, fortify ecumenical relations and interreligious dialogue and give a push to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians as well as strengthening relations between the Vatican and each country he will visit: Jordan, Palestine and Israel.

The Patriarch added: “as of now I invite the largest number of participants possible to attend the masses that the Holy Father will celebrate, the one in the international stadium in Amman on May 24 and the other in Nativity Square on May 25.”

Read the message in Arabic here