Amman, Dec. 24 (Petra) – Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday extended Christmas and New Year greetings to Christian communities during a visit to the Latin Patriarchal Vicariate of Jordan, where he met with heads and representatives of Christian churches.

In remarks delivered during the visit, the prime minister said the occasion reflects the core values on which Jordanian society is founded, including solidarity, fraternity, and national belonging, stressing that Jordan has long served as a model of coexistence owing to the strength of its social fabric, cultural diversity, and unity of its people.

He noted that in Jordan, the call to prayer and church bells rise together across cities and villages, embodying a shared spirit of faith, mutual respect, and collective resilience. He added that Jordanians stand united in all circumstances to ensure the Kingdom’s continued strength, stability, and prosperity.

Hassan said Jordan’s conscience and that of its people remains firmly directed toward Palestine, particularly Gaza, affirming solidarity with Christian and Muslim Palestinians in the face of suffering and injustice. He reiterated Jordan’s steadfast position and ongoing efforts to support them under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

He added that Jordan marks the season alongside Christian communities in Bethlehem and Jerusalem under exceptionally difficult conditions, reaffirming the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The prime minister stressed that Jordan will continue to be a living example of moderation, tolerance, and genuine citizenship, where Muslims and Christians form one family. He expressed hope that the coming year would bring goodness and blessings to the Kingdom, its Hashemite leadership, and its people.

Speaking on behalf of church representatives, Archbishop Iyad Twal, the Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan, said the participation of Christians in the celebrations reflects the reality of Jordan as a single home united by love and mutual respect, underscoring the depth of national partnership under the Hashemite leadership of King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.

He highlighted the role of churches and civil society, alongside state institutions, in promoting humanitarian values, safeguarding human dignity, and strengthening citizenship. He also noted the Latin Patriarchal Vicariate’s contribution to humanitarian and medical support for children from Gaza receiving treatment at the Royal Medical Services, in implementation of a royal initiative.

Twal added that the Catholic Church remains a key contributor to national development through its educational and humanitarian mission, operating one of the largest non-profit education networks in the Kingdom, including universities, schools, and kindergartens serving tens of thousands of students across Jordan.

//Petra// AJ

24/12/2025 14:42:28