In a significant diplomatic event, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan became the first reigning monarchs to be received by Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace. This historic meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, underscored Jordan’s critical role in promoting interfaith dialogue, protecting holy sites, and advocating for peace and stability in the Middle East, particularly concerning the situations in Gaza and Jerusalem.
The venerable halls of the Apostolic Palace witnessed a moment of profound diplomatic and spiritual significance as His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan held a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the new Pope of the Vatican. This meeting, which took place on Tuesday, marked the first time reigning monarchs have met privately with Pope Leo XIV since his inauguration, further solidifying the strong historical ties between the Hashemite Kingdom and the Holy See.
Strengthening a Legacy of Interfaith Dialogue and Holy Site Protection
The discussions between King Abdullah II and Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. His Majesty highlighted Jordan’s unwavering efforts to preserve Christian religious sites within its borders, notably the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), also known as Al-Maghtas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds immense spiritual significance for Christians worldwide.
In a gesture of goodwill and shared spiritual devotion, King Abdullah II extended an official invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the Baptism Site, a pilgrimage destination believed to be the location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The site’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its global importance, as detailed by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
The Hashemite Custodianship: A Pillar of Regional Stability
A central theme of the meeting was Jordan’s ongoing religious and historical role in safeguarding Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Under the revered Hashemite Custodianship, Jordan has long been recognized by the Holy See for its commitment to protecting these sacred places in a region often marked by instability. King Abdullah II specifically warned against the dangers of Israeli attacks on these holy sites, emphasizing the need for their preservation and respect.
Addressing the Gaza Crisis and the Path to a Two-State Solution
The humanitarian situation in Gaza was also a key topic of discussion. King Abdullah II underscored the urgent need to ensure the implementation of agreements to end the conflict and facilitate the delivery of sufficient relief aid to all areas of the strip. His Majesty’s statements, reported by the Jordanian news agency Roya News, highlighted the severe suffering of the Palestinian people and the necessity of immediate action.
The King reiterated Jordan’s long-held position that the only viable path to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region is through the two-state solution. This solution, he emphasized, guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, ultimately fostering prosperity for all peoples of the Middle East. The meeting also touched on broader joint efforts to achieve security and peace globally.
Royal Protocol and Distinguished Attendees
For the historic visit, Her Majesty Queen Rania observed strict Vatican protocol, appearing in an elegant all-black ensemble, complete with a black veil. This traditional attire for private audiences with the Pope reflects the solemnity and respect accorded to the Holy See. She was seen arriving at the Apostolic Palace in a black Fendi dress paired with Tom Ford heels, as reported by Town & Country magazine.
Accompanying their Majesties was His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, the King’s Chief Adviser for Religious and Cultural Affairs and Personal Envoy. Prince Ghazi’s presence underscored the deep religious and diplomatic dimensions of the meeting, reflecting his ongoing role in interfaith initiatives and discussions between the Hashemite court and the Vatican.
A New Papacy, Enduring Relationships
While King Abdullah II and Queen Rania were represented by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration in May 2025, their presence at the solemn farewell of the late Pope Francis in April 2025 highlighted their continuous engagement with the Vatican. Their relationship with the previous pontiff, Jorge Bergoglio, was notable, including a meeting between Queen Rania and Pope Francis less than two months before his passing.
This visit by the Jordanian royals sets a precedent for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, marking his first reception of reigning monarchs. The Vatican’s diplomatic calendar remains busy, with King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom also expected to visit Vatican City later in October to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee, further emphasizing the global importance of papal diplomacy and interfaith relations.
The Exchange of Gifts and Shared Values
The meeting concluded with a customary exchange of gifts, a symbolic gesture reinforcing the diplomatic and personal ties between the Jordanian monarchy and the Holy See. While specific details of the gifts exchanged during this particular audience were not released, such traditions often reflect shared cultural heritage, religious significance, or diplomatic appreciation.
The discussions between King Abdullah II, Queen Rania, and Pope Leo XIV serve as a powerful testament to the enduring commitment of both Jordan and the Vatican to promoting universal values of peace, tolerance, and dialogue. This historic meeting not only strengthens bilateral relations but also projects a unified message of hope and stability in an increasingly complex world.
