January 31- February 28 will mark an outstanding event in the history of Christianity. It will mark the launching of  a unique exhibition at the Vatican's Palazzo della Cancelleria, namely “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity.” It is the first exhibition of its kind in history, as it is due to arrive in the Vatican in late January 2025, to showcase the nation's role within the roots of Christianity, while serving as a celebration of unity, peace, and the enduring legacy of Christianity in the Holy Land of Jordan.

This exhibition is the first of its kind as it features some 90 original artifacts that bear witness to centuries of devotion, artistry, and sacred traditions witnessed and practised by Christians in Jordan throughout the centuries. What is interesting is that these artifacts will be displayed outside Jordan for the first time--which underlines the friendship enjoyed by Jordan and the Holy See--as they date back to the first century AD and extend through the Byzantine, Islamic, and Hashemite eras.

This exhibition, will be held in conjunction with the  Holy Jubilee Year 2025 and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Jordan and the Holy See as well as the 60th anniversary of the historic visit undertaken by Pope Paul VI to Jordan in 1964. It is a reflection from the heart of the Holy Land of Jordan--the land of peace, harmony and common living--where the echoes of prophets and saints  resonate witnessing the unfolding of Christian’s earliest chapters.

This exhibition, to shed light into Christianity's roots in Jordan, is organized by Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiques, and the Jordan Tourism Board. Moreover, it will also include audiovisual elements that take visitors on a captivating journey through 2,000 years of history, witnessing the birth, thriving, and enduring legacy of Christianity in Jordan.

The exhibition is a gateway to Jordan’s sacred sites, featuring five pilgrimage sites acknowledged by the Vatican which include:

*Tel Mar Elias, visitors will discover the birthplace of Prophet Elijah.

*Our Lady of the Mountain Church stands as a shrine commemorating Mother Mary

* Mount Nebo, the final resting place of Prophet Moses.

*Machaerus, visitors will learn about the martyrdom of John the Baptist.

*The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, pilgrims will connect with the very waters where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, marking the birthplace of Christianity itself.

In remarks by Jordan's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab, she affirmed Jordan as a "cradle of Christianity," adding that, "This exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate the roots of the faith and enhance our commitment to maintain these holy sites," as she recalled how Lord Jesus' Baptism site is "one of the most important religious sites in the world." Annab also revealed plans for similar exhibitions in France, Portugal, and Greece to enhance cultural exchange and strengthen Jordan’s ties with other nations.

In this regard, the exhibition is part of the Ministry of Tourism  ongoing efforts to advance religious and cultural tourism. It is expected to strengthen Jordan’s position as a leading Christian pilgrimage destination while reflecting the Kingdom's dedication to preserving its religious and cultural heritage.

On the other hand, Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso said, “We need to remember the importance of having Christians in the Middle East, as they represent a continuity of the faith in the region from the very beginning."

This exhibition is a manifestation of the common living and harmony prevailing among the various components of the Jordanian society which will hopefully promote religious tourism in Jordan, the land  of holiness, under the wise Hashemite leadership.