Cardinal Parolin urges peace, unity in Middle East during visit to Jordan
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, calls for ceasefire and solidarity as he meets papal representatives from the Middle East.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, addressed the Middle Eastern crises and urged peace as he led a meeting with papal representatives in Jordan’s capital, Amman, January 13. The meeting gathered apostolic nuncios from across the region, representing nations including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and several others.
The gathering, which followed Cardinal Parolin’s participation in the consecration of the Church of the Baptism of Jesus at Al-Maghtas, known in the Bible as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, on the banks of the Jordan River, was focused on the ongoing crises and humanitarian needs in the region. “[It is hoped] that there would soon be a cessation of hostilities on all fronts and that the Middle East could be a land of peace,” read a statement from the Holy See.
The meeting in Amman comes amid escalating conflicts and humanitarian challenges faced by many nations in the region. The Vatican emphasized the importance of international solidarity and shared responsibility in aiding those most affected by the violence. During his three-day visit to Jordan, Cardinal Parolin reiterated his hope for peace, citing the recent appointment of new leaders in Lebanon and the potential for positive change in Syria. “The political and ecclesial situation in each country, the visible signs of hope in some of these countries, the serious humanitarian situation in which the people most affected by the conflicts find themselves, and the need for solidarity on the part of the international community,” he said while addressing the nuncios.
Spiritual renewal
The cardinal’s visit was also a tangible sign of the Vatican’s support for Christians in the Middle East, who have faced increased challenges due to ongoing conflicts. “My presence here today, according to the wishes of the pope, is meant to be a tangible sign of the closeness of the whole church to the Christian communities of the Middle East,” Cardinal Parolin said during his Mass for the consecration at the Al-Maghtas Baptism site. The church’s closeness, he noted, had manifested in many forms throughout the suffering and turmoil in the region.
The consecration of the church was also an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Cardinal Parolin reminded attendees — Jordanians, Palestinians, other Arabs, and diplomats — that the site, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, is “not simply a historical landmark, but a place for authentic spiritual renewal.”
“We are called to give thanks to God for the gift of this Church,” said Cardinal Parolin, representing Pope Francis. “Everything starts with the fact that God became man and dwelt among us in this particular part of the world, in this Holy Land.” He urged Christians to engage in spiritual renewal, especially during the Jubilee Year, a time of mercy and forgiveness. The cardinal expressed his hope that a pilgrimage to the site would inspire Catholics to renew their commitment to following Christ in all aspects of their lives.
“Christians remain an essential component for fraternal coexistence”
Reflecting on the broader context of his visit, Cardinal Parolin called for specific actions to promote peace. “I would turn my gaze beyond the Jordan and call for a ceasefire, the release of prisoners and hostages, and respect for humanitarian law,” he said. He also appealed to the leaders of nations to seek peace and peaceful coexistence, urging that violence should not shape the future of the Middle East.
Amid the ongoing tensions, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the role of Christians in the region. “Christians must not be passive but must actively contribute to peace and coexistence,” he said. “The flame of hope must be rekindled in our hearts,” he said, and “Christians remain an essential component for fraternal coexistence among religions and for the progress of their respective countries.”
The visit and meetings come at a critical time for the region, which continues to endure significant political and humanitarian challenges, and local church observers say that Cardinal Parolin’s call for peace has resonated strongly, particularly in light of the violence and humanitarian crises that continue to affect countries across the region. His visit is a reminder of the importance of solidarity, dialogue, and commitment to the values of justice and peace, they said.