JORDAN: New bishop for Holy Land
Christians in the Holy Land have warmly welcomed Pope Francis’s appointment of a new bishop in the region.
Father Iyad Twal was announced yesterday (Tuesday, 17th) as auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, with particular responsibility for the faithful in Jordan.
Since 2020 Father Twal has been executive vice-president of Bethlehem University, and previously served in roles including parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Beit Sahour.
In a statement released yesterday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, welcomed the new appointment “with gratitude and joy”.
“Father Iyad was born and raised in Jordan but has served the Church of Jerusalem extensively in a variety of roles.
“In recent years he has been especially focused on teaching and administration in the field of higher education at Bethlehem University.”
Brother Hernán Santos González, Bethlehem University’s vice chancellor, paid tribute to Father Twal’s extensive work in the higher education sector.
He said: “Father Iyad has served Bethlehem University with unwavering dedication over the past 12 years, contributing immensely to our mission of providing quality education, fostering hope, and nurturing future leaders.
“His commitment to our community, his pastoral heart, and his tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our institution and the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff.”
Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa also asked for prayers for Father Twal as he begins his new ministry.
“After years of priestly ministry, he is now called from the very heart of the Mother Church to be a Successor of the Apostles with the mandate to teach, govern and sanctify the People of God…
“In the name of the entire Latin Patriarchate, I wish the Bishop-elect every success and, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, I invoke upon them the blessing of Almighty God.”
Pope Francis has assigned Father Twal the titular see of Siminina.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which supports persecuted and other suffering Christians, is helping the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem with projects including emergency aid, food, housing, school fees and medical assistance to hundreds of Christian families, as well as job creation programmes, support for Christian-run organisations and pastoral projects.
ACN has also provided subsistence aid, Mass stipends, transportation, support for church construction projects and help with the formation of priests and religious congregations throughout the Holy Land.