Jordanian Royals Recieve Pope Francis

Upon his arrival to the Jordanian capital of Amman, the first step in his Holy Land pilgrimage, His Holiness Pope Francis was welcomed at the airport by Prince Ghazi bin Mohamad, the King’s special envoy and Senior Advisor for Religious and Cultural Affairs, as well as representatives of churches, dozens of journalists and Jordanian citizens.

At Al Husseiniyeh Palace, Pope Francis was greeted by 21-gun salute and guards of honour in full traditional dress. His Holiness was officially recieved by Jordan’s King, Abdullah II, Queen Rania and their children, Crown Prince Hussein, Prince Hashem, Princess Iman and Princess Salma. The ceremony was also attended by royal family members and senior officials.

King Abdullah II addressed the audience attending the official reception stressing the depth of relations between his country and the Vatican. In his speech, Pope Francis commended Jordan for hosting the region’s refugees and noted the inititives undertaken by the Kingdom to enhance inter-faith dialogue, as Petra News Agency reported.

During the ceremony, the King and Pope exchanged souvenirs marking the Pope’s first visit to Jordan, and held talks in the presence of Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein.

Following the mass led by His Holiness at Amman International Stadium, King Abudullah II, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein accompanied Pope Francis and toured the Baptism site on Jordan River bank, Jordan Vally.

Pope Fracis will leave Jordan on Monday morning, heading to Jerusalem.

Filed under Jordan
Tagged Abdullah II of Jordan, Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, Official Visit, Pope Francis, Prince Ghazi bin Mohammed of Jordan, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah of Jordan, Princess Iman bint Abdullah of Jordan, Princess Salma bint Abdullah of Jordan, Queen Rania al-Abdullah of Jordan, Religion.