Jerusalem, Jun. 23, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Archbishop Fouad Twal was installed on June 21 as the Latin-rite Patriarch of Jerusalem, succeeding Archbishop Michel Sabbah.

A native of Jordan with a long background in Vatican diplomacy, Archbishop Twal was named in 2005 as coadjutor to Archbishop Sabbah, with the right of succession. His installation as Patriarch was scheduled after Archbishop Sabbah reached his 75th birthday on March 19, 2008, and submitted his resignation in accordance with canon law.

Archbishop Sabbah, the first Palestinian native ever to serve as Latin-rite Patriarch, was often a source of controversy because of his unabashed support for the Palestinian cause. Archbishop Twal was expected to play a more low-profile role, in keeping with his diplomatic background.

Labels: catholic, jewish

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