LONDON: King Abdullah II emphasized efforts to preserve Christian religious sites in Jordan during a meeting on Tuesday with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, accompanied by Queen Rania.

King Abdullah’s first meeting with the pontiff since the latter’s inauguration in May focused on the close relations between Jordan and the Vatican, exploring ways to cooperate in achieving peace and promoting the values of tolerance and dialogue.

He invited Pope Leo to visit the site of Jesus Christ’s baptism, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, according to the Petra news agency.

He warned of the dangers posed by Israeli attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem and emphasized Jordan’s ongoing religious and historical role in caring for both Muslim and Christian sites in the occupied city.

He emphasized the importance of implementing the agreement to end the war in Gaza and delivering adequate relief aid to alleviate Palestinian suffering.

King Abdullah highlighted that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through a two-state solution, ensuring an independent Palestinian state, Petra reported.

Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, the chief adviser to the king for religious and cultural affairs, attended the meeting.