Patriarch Theophilos III: The King’s Address Before the UN Embodies Jordanian Commitment to Protecting Holy Sites and Preserving the Christian Presence in Jerusalem
Jerusalem – 23 Sep 2026
His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, all Palestine, and Jordan, affirmed that the address delivered by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein before the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly carried a clear message defending peace, justice, and human dignity, while underscoring the steadfastness of Jordanian’s position regarding Jerusalem, its holy sites, and its people.
His Beatitude stated that the significance of the Jordanian stance stems from the Hashemite Custodianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. He described this as a historical, religious, and national responsibility that has contributed to safeguarding the Holy City’s identity, preserving its religious and historical character, and affirming that Islamic and Christian holy sites constitute an integral part of Jerusalem’s identity and heritage.
The Patriarch noted that the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem stands firmly behind His Majesty King Abdullah II in his unwavering positions regarding Jerusalem and its holy sites, and in his defense of the rights of Christians and Muslims who have historically been united by shared ethical traditions. He emphasized that, from the Church’s perspective, His Majesty represents the foremost and most prominent safeguard today in protecting the Christian presence in Jerusalem and supporting the rights of its people to remain, stand firm on their lands, and preserve their historical and religious legacy.
He added that protecting the Christian presence in Jerusalem is inseparable from protecting the city itself, and that the continued Christian presence constitutes an essential element of its history as well as its religious and cultural message. He stressed the importance of supporting the resilience of its people and preserving its holy sites and identity.
His Beatitude commended His Majesty the King’s address for adhering to principles and international law while rejecting double standards. He affirmed that Jerusalem requires responsible stances to protect its holy sites and people, and to advance opportunities for peace, dialogue, and coexistence among followers of all faiths.
Patriarch Theophilos III reaffirmed that Jordan’s stance toward Jerusalem is an extension of an enduring Hashemite tradition dedicated to protecting holy sites and fostering religious harmony. He emphasized that the Churches of Jerusalem view this approach as vital support for the resilience of Jerusalemites, and regard His Majesty King Abdullah II as a steadfast voice defending the Holy City, its people, and its sacred sites thereby preserving Jerusalem’s inclusive message and its religious and human status, while safeguarding the Christian presence as an authentic element of its history and identity.
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