An-Najah News - A Palestinian Catholic bishop was Wednesday named a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Bishop Shomali was born in Palestine, following the completion of his studies in philosophy and theology, he was ordained as a priest by Patriarch Jacques Joseph Beltritti in 1972, serving Zarqa and Shatana in Jordan. During his ministry in Jordan, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Yarmouk University in 1980.He obtained a Ph.D. in liturgy studies from St. Anselm University in Rome in May 1989 and returned to the seminary, where he served as a professor of liturgy, vice rector and prefect of studies for the sections of philosophy and theology.

The Catholic Center for Studies and Media announced in a press statement that the Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop William Shomali was named by Pope Francis a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, among other nominations which is responsible for promoting mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration between Catholics and followers of other religious traditions; encouraging the study of religions; and promoting the formation of persons dedicated to dialogue.