​The University of Jordan (UJ) President Prof. Nathir Obeidat, on Sunday, welcomed Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who was accompanied by Acting Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Fr. Jihad Shweihat, Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan Fr. Dr. Rif'at  Bader, Latin parish priest in Jubaiha Fr. Samer Mdanat, Secretary General of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Fr. Davide Melli, Secretary General of the Latin Patriarchal Vicariate Fr. Imad Alamat, as well as a number of priests and nuns.

During the meeting, Obeidat pointed out in an address the importance of Jerusalem and the Holy Land in their capacity as a historic focus for unity and solidarity among various religions, and stressed that they have all the times been the site for understanding and tolerance. He also affirmed the right of Palestinians, Muslims or Christians, to live in dignity on their land.

Obeidat pointed out the importance of providing the students and the professors at the university with the general and religious conditions in noble Jerusalem, and called for ending injustice, killing, starvation, and displacement in the Gaza Strip. He concluded his address by welcoming Patriarch Pizzaballa and the accompanying delegation in Jordan, where Muslims and Christians live in peace under the wise and just leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah.

For his part, Patriarch Pizzaballa expressed his sadness at what is happening in the Gaza Strip, and pointed out that the Church tries to extend a helping hand as much as possible, especially with regards to the destruction taking place in the Gaza Strip which involves buildings and infrastructure that will take years to rebuild. He also pointed out that the situation in the city of Jerusalem is tense and difficult due to war, movement restrictions, settlement expansion, and other Israeli measures.

Vice President for Humanities Schools; and for International Relations and Partnerships, Prof. Nahed Emaish, who moderated the dialogue, pointed out that Jordan and the Vatican are marking 30 years of diplomatic relations. She also praised Cardinal Pizzaballa's commitment to promoting peace in the region, as well as his tireless efforts to promote dialogue and understanding which made his visit to the university a portentous occasion, especially at present.

The visiting delegation was appraised of facts relevant to the university with regards to its establishment, its academic programs, and the status it occupies globally with regards to scientific research, among others.

The delegation toured the university campus, accompanied by Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Prof. Ziad Hawamdeh, and visited the Center for Documents, Manuscripts, and Levant Studies, where they were acquainted with the Center’s possessions of photographs and documents, especially Church records of Palestine and Jordan.