Rome, Italy, Apr 22, 2009 / 13:52 pm
A delegation from Jordan led by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Maha Khatib, is visiting the Vatican this week, and according to the L’Osservatore Romano, Khatib said, “We have come to thank the Pope for the honor he has given us by visiting our land.”
At the conclusion of the Wednesday General Audience last week, Khatib said, “In the name of the kings, the government and all of the people, we want to assure you that Jordan is doing everything possible to offer you a dignified and warm welcome.”
“In Jordan Muslims are awaiting the Pope’s visit in the same way as Christians,” said Khatib, who spoke briefly with the Holy Father after the audience.
The minister and her companions are part of the organizing committee that will be welcoming Benedict XVI on May 8, when he arrives in Amman—the first stage of his visit to the Holy Land.
“Benedict XVI,” she said, “will be able to see with his own eyes a country in which the faithful of various religions coexist in peace: it is a true model for all the Middle East.”