They inaugurate a large church on the banks of the Jordan River, where the baptism of Jesus took place

A large church built on the banks of the Jordan River, in the place where the baptism of Jesus took place, was inaugurated yesterday, January 10, by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, within the framework of his visit to Jordan.

The dedication of the Church of the Baptism of Christ has been an event of great symbolic importance, both spiritual and diplomatic, for the determination of the Hashemite kingdom to establish itself as an essential stopping point for pilgrims to the Holy Land, who are increasingly reluctant to travel to a region torn by geopolitical and ethno-religious conflicts.

“So many biblical events and characters come together here that we could say that this place houses all the expectations of the Old Testament regarding the coming of Christ, manifestation of the Father,” said the Cardinal at the altar consecration ceremony, which was also attended by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa; and Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, grandson of King Talal of Jordan and cousin of King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Construction began following the king’s donation in 2003 of a 30,000 square meter plot of land on the outskirts of the historic site of Al-Maghtas (also known as Bethany beyond the Jordan in the Qafra region), and completed just in time for Jubilee 2025.

One of the largest churches in the Middle East

The historic complex of the baptism site was identified and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO about 20 years ago. Since then it has undergone major improvement work carried out by the Jordanian authorities and transformed into a natural tourist park that is still expanding.

Managed by the Congregation of the Incarnate Word (IVE), the new church has an area of ​​approximately 2,200 square meters and is currently one of the largest in the Middle East, along with the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Basilica of the Nativity of Nativity scene.

It is the fruit of several years of collaboration between the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Jordanian architect Nadim Muasher, member of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher. Benedict difficulties around the world.

The church was built in “tafouhi,” a yellowish stone from Hebron in the West Bank, while its stained glass windows were made in Lebanon in a style intended to resemble that of the medieval Chartres Cathedral in France. The altar houses the relics of Saint John Paul II and the Holy Martyrs of Damascus. About 6,000 worshipers attended the ceremony, including about 1,000 inside the building. Among them were approximately 100 priests and 15 bishops from various countries.

Renew our baptism

Cardinal Parolin focused his homily on the mystery of a God who chose to offer himself as a sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. Making an analogy with the fact that this Jordanian region is considered the lowest geographical point in the world, the cardinal said that “it is precisely here where God has come to meet us, as if to also gather in his embrace those who came from far away” and that “the providence of God has also wanted the Church that we consecrate today to share the same axis as the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.”

He recalled that baptism marks “the beginning of immortal life in us” and therefore invited this church to become “a privileged place for all believers to renew their own baptism and their commitment,” especially during Jubilee 2025.

The new church has been designated as a pilgrimage site for believers, who will be able to receive a plenary indulgence during the Holy Year celebrations.

The cardinal affirmed that his presence is “a tangible sign of closeness” of the universal Church with the Christian communities of the Middle East, especially in the context of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that has been raging on the other side of the Jordan River since October 2023.

“I want to encourage everyone not to let themselves be overwhelmed by the serious difficulties of the present time and to trust that God guides human history, no matter how much it bears the scars of violence, sin and death,” said the Vatican authority.

Echoing his later call for peace and the release of prisoners and hostages, Cardinal Pizzaballa for his part urged prayers for “all those who suffer in their countries due to the lack of security, stability and peace,” stressing that Jordan It is an exception in the region.

Efforts to preserve Christian heritage

Jordan, where 97% of the population is Muslim and has numerous biblical pilgrimage sites, has borne the brunt of the ongoing conflicts, seeing tourist numbers drop by almost 70% over the past year.

“We dedicate this church to serve Jordanian citizens first and foremost and to serve the people of the Arab region who make pilgrimages to Jordan,” Cardinal Pizzaballa said at a press conference before the Mass, assuring that “ “Jordan is a safe and stable country.”

The cardinal also encouraged Jordanian Christians — 2.1% of the population and who have historically formed a socioeconomic elite — not to emigrate. For their part, the Hashemite authorities have been involved in a series of ambitious heritage restoration and valorization projects, trusting that they will serve to make the kingdom an essential stop for pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA.