AMMAN, February 28, 2025 (WAFA) – The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Friday celebrated the episcopal ordination of auxiliary bishop Mgr Iyad Twal at the Church of the Baptism of Jesus (Al-Maghtas) in Jordan.

The Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, led the ordination rite of Mgr Twal, a celebration that was concelebrated by Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, and Msgr. Rafiq Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar in Galilee, alongside a distinguished gathering of bishops, priests, and religious sisters from various churches and orders as well as diplomats, members of the Jordanian House of Representatives and the Senate, and faithful from Jordan and Palestine.

This event marked the first-ever celebration at the Church of the Baptism of Christ since its consecration by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, on January 10, 2025. Additionally, it was the first time a Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan had been ordained on Jordanian soil, making it a historic and deeply significant moment for the local Church and its faithful.

The Papal Nuncio to Jordan, Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, read aloud to the audience the decree signed by Pope Francis, appointing Father Iyad Twal as the Latin Patriarchal Vicar and Bishop in the Latin Patriarchate. This appointment aims to ensure the historical apostolic succession within the Catholic Church.

Fr. Imad Twal and Fr. Abdel-Masih Fahim, the new bishop's spiritual chaplains, presented the papal decree of ordination, which was read aloud by Msgr. Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, the Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan.

K.F.