Peace Tour

Pope Begins Mideast Trip in Jordan

Praises Jordan for welcoming Syrian refugees.

Pope Francis launched his tour of the Middle East on Saturday, praising his hosts in Jordan for welcoming refugees from the conflict in Syria and calling for a "just solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The pope was met in Amman, Jordan, by an honor guard and a platoon of Catholic and Jordanian officials. Francis met with King Abdullah II, Queen Rania, and their children, and gave a speech praising the "serene coexistence" of Christians and Muslims in Jordan. He said the international community appreciated the "generous welcome" the country had shown to Syrians over the past year. On Sunday, Pope Francis will visit the Israeli-occupied West Bank.