The words of Pope John Paul II addressed to Jordan still resonate after 26 years

On the 106th anniversary of the birth of Saint Pope John Paul II, I stand today at the Baptism Site, commemorating that historic and immortal visit which is witnessed by this memorial plaque. At this site, on March 21, 2000, the Saintly Pope arrived at the Baptism Site and specifically at the Hill of Saint Elijah, where tradition relates that Prophet Elijah ascended to Heaven in his chariot of fire.

At this holy site, the world remembers a great saint, namely Pope John Paul II whose words were immortalized on this plaque, unveiled in 2014 during Pope Francis' visit to Jordan. The last words he spoke at the Baptism Site were engraved upon it. They state, “I will keep all the people of Jordan, Christians and Muslims, in my prayers, especially the sick and the elderly. With gratitude I invoke abundant blessings upon His Highness the King and upon the whole nation. God bless you all! God bless Jordan.”

These are words of love, peace, and blessing that continue to resonate in this blessed place, bearing witness to the depth of the relationship between Jordan and the Holy Land, as well as to Jordan's humanitarian and spiritual mission in spreading peace and common living.