On the 26th anniversary of pilgrimage to the Baptism Site

Despite the heavy rainy conditions, the weather did not prevent crowds of the faithful from heading towards the Baptism Site on the second Friday of January, to commemorate the annual pilgrimage day of the Catholic Churches. It is a 26-year old spiritual tradition, firmly etched in both ecclesiastical and national memory. It is rather a living message affirming that this sacred place is stronger than the prevailing circumstances and more firm than any challenge.

In 2026, we recall two pivotal milestones in the history of pilgrimage to the Baptism Site. The first dates back to January 2000, when this annual celebration was held for the first time, which was at the time a joint event for all Churches. It was an extraordinary day that was attended by about 40,000 believers, during which 2,000 candles were lit to mark the second millennium of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. The second milestone was on March 21 of the same year, when believers returned in similar numbers to the Baptism Site, in the company of His Holiness Pope John Paul II on a historic visit that remains etched in both the place and the people. I firmly recall the late minister of tourism, Akel Biltaji, walking beside the Pope, and explaining to him the significance and authenticity of the Baptism Site.

Since 2001, it was agreed that the pilgrimage would be held in two phases, namely the second Friday of January for the Catholic Churches, and the third Friday for the Orthodox Churches. Consequently, one year after the other, believers go to the holy waters of the Jordan River, to draw renewed spiritual grace, and to return home empowered by faith that helps them live the year in reverence of God and love for others.

With the elapse of 26 years since the official inauguration of the Baptism Site, we extend this year gratitude to God for the prevailing security and stability in our beloved Jordan, which paves the way for the continuation of this sacred tradition. This tradition is not the outcome of one merely one party, but rather is the fruit of close cooperation among the Baptism Site Commission, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Ibn Muhammad; the Ministry of Tourism; the Jordan Tourism Board; the  site management; the Churches and their various committees; and media outlets. They jointly strive to produce a bright image worthy of the place, while sending a clear message to the world that Jordan is a holy, safe and a welcoming land for pilgrimage.

This year’s celebration takes place in the wake of the announcement of a ceasefire and a truce in Gaza, which instilled relief upon the participants and opened a window of hope for the resuscitation of tourism which was adversely affected in recent years by the regional war and prior to that by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, with the upcoming recovery, determination is renewed to continue to welcome pilgrims from all parts of the world.

Two notable matters emerged this year. The first one was the participation of international Church and media delegations at the invitation of the Jordan Tourism Board. They included delegations of bishops from the Philippines, media representatives from Spain and France, and a delegation from the Vatican led by Editorial Director for the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication Mr. Andrea Tornielli who took part in the annual press conference organized by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media at the Baptism Site, alongside Bishop Iyad Al-Tawal, who presided at the celebration, and Minister of Tourism Dr. Emad Hijazin. Tornielli’s address was particularly striking as he spoke about the successive papal visits to Jordan, while calling on believers worldwide to visit this holy land.

The second notable matter was the participation of a number of ambassadors, especially major friendly nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Australia, the Philippines, Germany, France, Rwanda, and Brazil, in addition, of course, the Vatican's Apostolic Nuncio. This presence is of great importance, as it directly encourages citizens of these countries to visit Jordan and to go on pilgrimage to the Baptism Site.

All of this takes place on the heels of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s recent visit to the Vatican, during which he extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to visit the Baptism Site. The official statement did not focus at the time on Jordan as it did on the site itself, as if the Baptism Site has become a spiritual and touristic identity in its own right, as well as one that encapsulates and introduces Jordan to the world. Great hope is pinned on accepting this royal and sublime invitation so that the Pope would be the 5th Pontiff to visit this sacred site in modern time.

As we look to the future with hope--with the efforts of those responsible for the Baptism Site, namely the minister of tourism and new Director of the Jordan Tourism Board Ramzi Al-Maaytah--we anticipate a flourishing spring for religious tourism in our dear country,namely a spring that will be characterized by massing of  efforts, launching well-designed promotional programs, and the organizing official visits for tourism professionals from countries around the world, in cooperation with Churches and specialized media outlets so as to firmly place Jordan on the global map of religious pilgrimage in the years to come.

Happy anniversary for Jordan, and may these blessed efforts continue one year after the other in an atmosphere of goodness and joy.