Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has voiced support for a speech by Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as a clear call to defend Jerusalem, its holy sites and the city’s Christian presence.

During his address, King Abdullah reaffirmed the permanence of the Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s Christian and Muslim holy places. He also emphasized Jordan’s determination to protect the Christian heritage of the Holy Land.

In comments published on the website of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Patriarch Theophilos said that protecting the Christian presence cannot be separated from protecting Jerusalem itself. He added that the continuity of this mission remains an essential part of the city’s history and culture.

The patriarch also praised the Jordanian monarch’s commitment to international law and his firm rejection of policies based on double standards.

King Abdullah further opposed portraying the Middle East conflict solely as a confrontation between religions. Instead, he said, the focus should remain on the rights of individuals and respect for international law.

Patriarch Theophilos welcomed this approach, stressing the importance of dialogue, coexistence among people of different faiths and adherence to international norms.

Preserving Jerusalem’s religious diversity, he said, matters not only to the city’s residents but also to its broader historical and cultural heritage.