Pope Francis received the King and Queen of Jordan

Pope Francis and the Jordanian sovereigns.

On the morning of 29th August 2013 Pope Francis received their Majesties the King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania. Later, the Hashemite sovereign met with His Eminence Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

King Abdullah II, Queen Rania and Pope Francis.

Several themes of common interest were addressed during the course of the cordial encounter, most importantly the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the restarting of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, and on the question of Jerusalem. Special attention was reserved for the tragic situation in which Syria finds itself. In this regard, it was reaffirmed that the path of dialogue and negotiation between all components of Syrian society, with the support of the international community, is the only option to put an end to the conflict and to the violence that every day causes the loss of so many human lives, especially amongst the helpless civilian population.

Appreciation was also expressed for King Abdullah’s commitment in the field of interreligious dialogue and for the initiative of convening a conference in Amman, at the beginning of the month of September, on the challenges that Christians in the Middle East will have to face, in particular during this period of socio-political transformations. Finally, recognition was expressed for the positive contribution that Christian communities bring to the local society, of which they are an integral part.

The Jordanian Queen wore a white veil. According to the Vatican customs, only Catholic Queens or monarchs may wear white veils for an audience with the Pope. When Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit to the late John Paul II she wore a black veil. In her typical style, Cherie Blair wore a white veil. Although a Catholic, she was not a head of state nor was her husband, then Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Queen Elizabeth II wore black, when she was received by Pope John Paul II in 2000.

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Fatherly advice

His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan advising HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein

 

His Majesty King Abdullah II has sent a letter to HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on the occasion of his 18th birthday on 28th June.

Following is the full text of King Abdullah’s letter to Prince Hussein:

Your Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II May God preserve and protect you, Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you, It is a pleasure to extend to you my Arab Hashemite greetings, expressing my love for you, my satisfaction and pride in you. You are a Hashemite knight whom I have consecrated to the service of his country and loyal people, and the Arab and Islamic nation.

I have chosen to send you this message upon the completion of the 18th year in what will, God willing, be your long life. At such age, you are fit to shoulder the burden of responsibility. May this letter be a beacon that guides you in the days to come as you fulfil your responsibilities and may it show you the way of life and approach to work that you will adopt.

This has been the vision of governance as far as we, the Hashemites, are concerned. It has been passed from generation to generation, starting from our great ancestor, Prophet Mohammad, may peace and God’s blessings be upon him. He taught us and humanity at large that fearing God is the ultimate wisdom and that the pious will always be divinely guided out of their dilemmas. He taught us that those who are modest will be raised to higher status by God and that justice is the cornerstone of governance. We have also learned from the Prophet that mercy, forgiveness and tolerance as personal traits are blessings that God grants only to his good servants, as evident in the holy Koranic verse: "It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." Our fathers and grandfathers have followed this path. They have upheld the belief that responsibility is a trust and serving the people is a duty and an honour. They have always believed that a good ruler is the one who sees himself as the servant of his people, even if they see him as their master.

I have learned from your grandfather, the late Al Hussein, God bless his soul, that I should treat each and every fellow Jordanian as a brother, a father or a son. He taught me to respect the elderly, have mercy on the young and the vulnerable and treat all on equal footing when it comes to rights and duties. I was taught to forgive wrongdoers, and work relentlessly to serve the people and their interests and those of the future generations. The relationship between us, the Hashemites, and the faithful Jordanian people has never been one between the ruler and the ruled. Rather, it was founded on cordiality, respect, compassion and solidarity. We have always been one loving family. Jordanians of all backgrounds and origins have seen the most difficult conditions and experiences. Nevertheless, they remained one united and loving family. They have never failed their leadership, nor have they failed to carry out a duty or offer a sacrifice, regardless of its scale. It is our duty to pay back, returning to our people the same love, pride, appreciation and gratitude they have given us.

I have raised you, and I have great faith in you. I am totally confident that you will follow on the path of your father and grandfathers as a man committed to loving your country with a high sense of belonging and devotion to sincere, hard work. I am confident that you will show selflessness, humility, resolve and strong will. You will always follow the guidelines of the Hashemites, reflecting their traits: the good manners and generosity that stem from fear of God in the first place, and then from their love for people, modesty in dealing with them, keenness to serving them and treating them on equal footing.

I am happy and proud of the person you have become now and the one you will be in the future, God willing. You will always have my support and good advice.

May God protect you and grant you success in serving your people and country. I ask Him to render you the source of our hope and optimism, and that of your people and supporters, the members of the one great Jordanian family.

Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

Your father, Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein Amman, June 28, 2012 AD Shaaban 8, 1433H

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His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan

Before the European Parliament, Strasbourg, France, 18th April 2012



In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate,

Mr President,

Distinguished Members of the European Parliament,

Thank you, and thank you all, for your warm welcome. The ties between Jordan and Europe are anchored in rock. It is more than our mutual interest in the prosperity and security of our multi-region neighbourhood. It is our shared belief in the kind of neighbourhood it should be -- the kind of neighbourhood our people deserve: rich in human dignity and freedom ... powered by opportunity and progress ... and secured by peace.

It is to talk about our neighbourhood and future that I join you today.

My friends,

A long Spring is unfolding in the Arab World. It will not be over in a season; not even in a year. Our societies are facing the challenge of moving from protests to programs, from criticism to national strategies. Different countries will take different paths. In some countries, debate and consensus are in the air. Elsewhere, we are seeing the winds of division and reaction, bringing instability, violence and a region-wide cost. There are outside actors that seek to take advantage of discord. The risks and uncertainties are real.

But I speak for millions when I say: the Arab World is awake. And positive change is on the move.

The signs were already there for those who wanted to see them. For a decade or more, people across the region had been raising questions ... nurturing aspirations ... seeking meaningful reform ... and empowering civil society, especially women and our digitally-connected, globally-aware youth.

Events added to the urgency. Global crises in finance, food and energy seriously hurt our economies. Arab families who sacrificed to educate their children have seen their sons and daughters leave school, prepared for jobs that simply are not there. Today my region faces the highest youth unemployment of any region. Some have called it a 'generation in waiting. It is 100 million strong; the largest youth cohort in our history.

I know that youth concerns are important here in Europe as well. Our regions have different demographics, but in one statistic they are the same: today's young people are 100 percent of our future. We cannot afford to let a single young citizen wait in vain.

This reality drives Jordan's approach to the Arab Spring. We have embraced it as an opportunity to push past roadblocks that have slowed reform in the past. Last year, we took immediate steps to engage in a national dialogue to build consensus on concrete actions. An early focus has been the Constitution -- the foundation of our political system. Last September, after recommendations by a national committee, one-third of the entire document was amended. New Constitutional provisions widen representation, strengthen political parties, protect civil rights and freedoms, and enhance separation of powers. Other milestones include new laws on political parties and municipal and national elections; as well as legislation for the new Constitutional court and independent elections commission. Our next tests will be municipal and parliamentary elections. As guarantor of the political reform process, I have urged both government and parliament to keep to the agreed timeline, and finalise the remaining legislation as quickly as possible, without sacrificing the inclusive nature of our process.

Only we, all Jordanians, can build Jordan's future. And we must do so in such a way that our country remains a secure, safe haven -- in spite of a region getting more turbulent around us; in spite of economic threats; in spite of neighbouring crises. This path demands consensus-based reform, based on structural, comprehensive change -- political, legal, economic, and social -- respecting the rights and freedoms of all our citizens. In the process, Jordan can set a regional model of peaceful political evolution and democratisation.

I am confident that 2012 will be a year of key political reform in Jordan. Among the most important steps is building the robust political party life that parliamentary government requires. We know that it is not one election, but the next and the next and all those that follow, which show that a system is working.

We greatly value the EU's recognition of our reform path. Just two months ago, the new EU-Jordan Task Force met in Amman to discuss key programmes that will support our reform priorities -- democratic institutions, civil society, job creation, local economic development, humanitarian assistance, and more. Next month marks ten years since our Association Agreement went into force, opening markets and job opportunities on both sides. I hope these opportunities, now strengthened by our “advanced status” partnership, will further blossom in the years ahead.

Jordan has pursued its domestic goals despite regional conflict. But my friends -- peace must come if our region is to thrive and be secure. We cannot afford one more 'generation in waiting' for a Palestinian state.

Ten years ago, the Arab States spoke with a united voice on behalf of a just peace. We made the decision to look forward, not back; to seek agreement; and to offer acceptance. The Arab Peace Initiative has been recognised by every major friend of peace in the world, including the EU and other members of the Quartet. We need Israel to engage.

The Arab Peace Initiative is based on the only possible solution: two states, side by side, in dignity and self-determination -- a sovereign, viable and independent Palestine, on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital – collective peace and security guarantees for Israel -- and a final settlement, in accordance with U.N. resolutions, and the agreed resolution of all final status issues. This initiative went even beyond offering Israel peace and normal relations with all its Arab neighbours. The entire Muslim world endorsed it. What has been on the table for the past 10 years is a 57-state solution.

Some political elements point to the changes in the Arab World, and tell the Israeli people that negotiations can wait. There is no time to wait. The Arab Spring is rooted in a profound call for human respect. No affront is felt more deeply than the Israeli occupation. The longer Palestinian suffering endures, the longer settlement-building continues, the greater the frustrations, dangers, and unknowns. If we cross the line where the two-state solution is no longer possible, Israel will be further than ever from real security. It would take decades, even generations, for peace to regain the initiative.

Jordan sees an effective peace process as a moral duty and a strategic interest, and we continue to pursue results. This year, in Amman, we succeeded in getting negotiators back to the table several times. We would not have been able to do so, without the magnificent work of European diplomacy ... energising contacts, mobilising support, keeping up the pressure for peace … and, most important, keeping hope alive. Indeed, over the past two years, the European Union has been an invaluable friend to those, on both sides, working for peace in the Middle East.

The exploratory talks in Amman were baby steps, giving the parties an opportunity to resume bilateral contacts. Now the process needs a quantum leap forward -- and EU partnership is vital. The EU has taken a principled stand for a just, two-state solution, and against the illegal settlement building that is obstructing progress. You understand the global risks of continued conflict and the global benefits of peace. And you hold tremendous credibility for your experience in building democratic institutions, security, and trust. I hope you can bring all this to bear in the days ahead.

My friends,

Many peoples, one neighbourhood ... and one future. This is the challenge for Europe and the Middle East ... and it is our strength.

Together, we face immense issues -- economic, political, peace. The solutions are complex and the path forward difficult.

But together, we have the will and wisdom to reach the goals we seek. And together, we can succeed.

Thank you very much.

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During His Majesty's European visit, HRH Crown Prince Hussein was sworn-in as regent of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

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King Abdullah II of Jordan turns 50 today

His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, The King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, celebrates his 50th birthday this 30th January.

The following biography is from the King's official website and gives the best insight into his life:

The 41st-generation direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), His Majesty King Abdullah II assumed his constitutional powers as monarch on 7th February 1999.

Following the leadership legacy of his father, the late King Hussein, King Abdullah has made the welfare of Jordan’s people the cornerstone of his policies for national development, regional peace and global coexistence. The King’s special concern for the future of Jordan’s young people has put youth engagement, education and opportunity at the top of his agenda. At home, he has paired economic reforms with political liberalisation and an innovative program of national development. He has overseen sweeping educational reforms, which today are energising Jordan's private sector and preparing Jordan's youth for global competitiveness and leadership.

To provide real solutions to Jordan’s pressing economic needs, King Abdullah ushered in a new era of structural reform and modernisation, integration with the world economy and globalisation. The King has worked to bring together the public and private sectors – both domestic and global – through large-scale joint initiatives aimed at meeting the urgent challenges of job creation, opportunity for Jordan's young population and poverty alleviation. King Abdullah personally championed Jordan's accession to the World Trade Organisation, presided over Jordan’s becoming the first Arab country to sign a free trade agreement with the United States and has forged new bilateral and multilateral economic alliances with countries from Asia to Latin America.

In diplomatic affairs, King Abdullah has been the voice of Jordan’s progressive policies to expand global justice and cooperation. Taking up the historical role of the Hashemite Family, he has championed the rights, achievements and values of Muslims worldwide. In 2004, he worked with leading Islamic scholars to release the Amman Message, reaching a global audience with Islam's guiding principles of peace, tolerance and dialogue among faiths.

In the footsteps of the late King Hussein, King Abdullah renewed a firm commitment to peace in the region on the basis of the two-state solution and the establishment of a viable, independent and geographically contiguous Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace alongside Israel, in accordance with UN resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

King Abdullah is the eldest son of His Majesty King Hussein Bin Talal (1935-1999) and Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein. Born in Amman on 30th January 1962, he is the namesake of King Abdullah I, his great-grandfather, the founder of modern Jordan.

King Abdullah began his education at the Islamic Educational College in Amman. He later attended St. Edmund's School in Surrey, England, and concluded his high school education at Deerfield Academy in the United States. Later, he pursued advanced studies at Pembroke College, Oxford, and Georgetown University.

The young prince was a man of action on the athletic field and the training ground. In 1980, he enrolled in the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst (UK) and was commissioned as second lieutenant in 1981. He served in the British Army in the 13/18th Royal Hussars Regiment, with duties as a reconnaissance troop leader in the United Kingdom and Germany.

In 1985, then-Prince Abdullah returned to Jordan to serve in the armed forces (Armoured Corps, 3rd Division). Rising through the ranks to lieutenant-colonel, he attended advanced military courses in both Jordan and the UK. Among other duties, he served on attachment to the Special Forces and qualified as a Cobra attack helicopter pilot. After service as commander of the 2nd Armoured Battalion, 40th Armoured Brigade, he was named deputy commander, Jordanian Special Forces, in January 1993.

In November 1993, Prince Abdullah became commander of Jordan's Special Forces. In 1996, he was given the task of reorganising the Special Forces and other elite units into the new Special Operations Command (SOCOM). In 1998, as SOCOM commander, he was promoted to the rank of major general.

In his off-duty hours, the Prince became well known for his interest in land, sea and air sports, including free-fall parachuting. He shared his father's passion for cars and motorcycles and became a Jordan National Rally champion. Today, he continues to enjoy aquatic sports, including boating and scuba diving. During his time in the military, King Abdullah also developed an interest in ancient weapons and today, he maintains a world-class collection of military artefacts.

King Abdullah’s service in the army was always a source of personal pride and his respect for those who serve their nation has been a conspicuous quality of his leadership. Today, the King describes Jordan's armed forces as the “foremost symbol of honour, bravery, sacrifice and belonging."

During his years as an army officer, then-Prince Abdullah was regularly dispatched on official diplomatic and military missions. He also frequently served his country in the capacity of regent in King Hussein's absence.


In 1993, then-Prince Abdullah met Rania Al-Yassin. Six months later, the couple were engaged and they married on 10th June 1993. As a princess, Queen Rania began the powerful social work and advocacy which she continues to this day. The Royal Couple's first child, Prince Hussein, the Crown Prince, was born on 28th June 1994. Since then, they have had three more children: Princess Iman (27th September 1996); Princess Salma (26th September 2000); and Prince Hashem (30th January 2005).

Happy Birthday, Your Majesty!

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