Amman, May 10 (Petra) – The Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan issued a statement welcoming the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, succeeding Saint Peter as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.

The statement, signed by the director of the center, Father Rifat Bader, emphasized that the election by the College of Cardinals (the "conclave") over a two-day period highlights the universality of the Church, which has been a spiritual institution for over two thousand years. The statement expressed hope that the election of Cardinal Prevost marks a strong endorsement and collaboration among the cardinals, who chose him to lead the global Catholic community.

Father Bader’s statement also expressed the Center's hope that the new Pope, Leo XIV, will embody the learning and virtue of Pope Leo the Great (440-461) while reinforcing the social teachings of the Church laid out by Pope Leo XIII at the turn of the 20th century. The center stressed that the Church should continue to be a moral voice in the world, advocating for workers' rights, social justice, peace, and love among people and nations.

The statement noted that in his first speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV focused on values of peace, bridge-building, justice, openness, and dialogue. These themes offer reassurance to the world that the Church’s mission will remain dedicated to upholding human dignity, fostering peace, and promoting dialogue among nations and faith communities.

Additionally, Father Bader praised the congratulatory message sent by His Majesty King Abdullah II on behalf of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and its people, wishing Pope Prevost success in his noble mission as the head of the Catholic Church and in promoting peace, harmony, and understanding across the world.

Father Bader further expressed confidence that His Majesty's congratulations signal a new phase in the development of friendship and official relations between Jordan and the Vatican, with Jordan continuing to play a leading role in promoting peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue, particularly between Muslims and Christians, both regionally and globally.

Father Bader also expressed hope that Jordan, the "cradle of Christianity," will host a fifth papal visit, especially as the country prepares to celebrate the year 2030, marking the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River.

//Petra// AF

10/05/2025 21:42:46