Pope, Jordan’s king talk US Jerusalem recognition

VATICAN CITY, Holy See — Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Pope Francis discuss the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as the former’s role as custodian of the city’s Muslim and Christian holy sites.

“My dear friend and brother,” says Abdullah as he greets the pontiff at the Vatican, presenting him a painting of Jerusalem’s Old City, featuring the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Pope Francis (R) speaks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II during a private meeting at the Vatican, on December 19, 2017. (AFP Photo/Pool/Max Rossi)

The Vatican says the pair had “cordial conversations focused above all on the theme of the promotion of peace and stability in the Mideast, with particular reference to the question of Jerusalem.”

They discuss “the role of the Hashemite Sovereign as Custodian of the Holy Places” and pledge “to encourage negotiations among the interested parties, as well as promoting inter-religious dialogue,” it says in a statement.

— AFP