PM: Papal visit testament to Jordan's position

AMMAN — Pope Francis' upcoming visit to Jordan is testament to the prestigious position that Jordan holds internationally as a country of peace, love and religious tolerance, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said Tuesday.

At a meeting with Latin Patriarch of the Holy Land and Jordan Fouad Twal, Latin Bishop of Jordan Maroun Lahham and Bishop Salim Sayegh, Ensour said Saturday's papal visit also builds on the "deep ties" between Jordan and the Vatican.

The premier highlighted the government's preparations to receive Pope Francis on May 24, stressing the "historical" significance of the visit, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During his visit, Pope Francis will celebrate mass at the Amman International Stadium, with around 50,000 expected to attend.

Speaking at the meeting, Twal thanked the government for its preparations to receive the Pope, stressing that Jordan represents a model of coexistence and tolerance, Petra reported.

The Kingdom, he added, has caught the world's attention, especially the Vatican, commending His Majesty King Abdullah's efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and tolerance among different peoples.

Also on Tuesday, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh checked on preparations for the Pope's visit.

He visited the media centre at the Royal Cultural Centre, where media personnel covering the Pope's visit will be working. 

Tarawneh was briefed on resources available for journalists to facilitate their coverage.

The centre includes rooms for press conferences, large screens to display the Pope's activities and media rooms equipped with devices required for television broadcasting.

The Royal Court chief also checked on the Amman International Stadium, where the mass will be held.

Pope Francis' visit, the fourth by a pontiff to the Kingdom, is expected to attract international and regional coverage, with around 1,000 registered journalists, Petra reported.

On Wednesday, Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani, who heads the Media Committee for Pope Francis’ visit, will hold a press conference at 2pm to announce the final preparations for the visit. 

Tourism Minister Nidal Katamine and Father Rifat Bader, the visit's spokesperson in Jordan, will also attend the press conference, to be held at the Royal Cultural Centre, according to Petra.