Ammon News - The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, lauded His Majesty King Abdullah II's "strong and loud" voice, which is a guarantee of preserving the status quo in Jerusalem, especially with regard to the holy sites, in light of "conflicts in the historic city."

In a press statement to "Petra" on Saturday, on the occasion of his inauguration as Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem, he stressed the importance of Jordan's "pioneering" role and His Majesty King Abdullah II's efforts, in his capacity as the Hashemite custodian over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, to preserve its sanctities and to ensure balance among the city's various components.

Christians in the region have gone through difficult conditions in Syria, Iraq and other places, except Jordan, the only country in which we have not seen those hardships, he said, adding that "the Hashemite family has always supported the importance of the Christian role and component in Jordan and in Jerusalem."

Referring to talks with His Majesty King Abdullah II, he said the Church's role focusing on the Jerusalemite community's unity and preserving the status quo was discussed, in addition to the importance of promoting coexistence, and dialogue.

Affirming the "distinguished" relationship between His Majesty and the papal institution, he noted that the King met Pope of Vatican more than once, and the two sides share common principles in terms of supporting the culture of peace and moderation, promoting coexistence and dialogue and rejecting violence, expressing hope for more joint cooperation.