His Majesty King Abdullah, the Hashemite Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, on Sunday congratulated Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa on his appointment as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, wishing him success.

During a teleconference meeting, King Abdullah highlighted the important role of the Latin Patriarchate and other churches in Jerusalem in bolstering the unity of Jerusalemites, which is key to maintaining interfaith harmony and preserving the historical and legal status quo in the Holy City, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty reaffirmed his continued support to the role of the Council of Churches in Jerusalem in promoting moderation, preserving church properties, endowments and institutions, as well as safeguarding the Christian presence in the Holy City and the region.

The King lauded the deep-rooted ties with Pope Francis and the Vatican, noting mutual principles in support of peace and moderation, rejection of violence, and reaffirming the global responsibility in support of refugees and host communities around the world.

For his part, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Pizzaballa thanked His Majesty for the meeting and for congratulating him on his appointment.

The Patriarch commended the King’s pivotal role in safeguarding Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city, stressing the strong ties between the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Jordan.

Archbishop Pizzaballa congratulated His Majesty on the occasion of the state’s centennial, saying that under Hashemite leadership, Jordan’s history has been rooted in the principles of moderation, serving those in need, supporting refugees, and safeguarding holy sites.