On Saturday November  7, 2026,  Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church His Beatitude Paul III Nona, visited the Baptism Site of Lord Jesus Christ, and  underscored the location's spiritual significance as a cornerstone of global Christian pilgrimage.

Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal, accompanied by Secretary General of the Patriarchate Fr. Khaled Gammoh. The visit included the Latin Patriarchate’s Baptism Church, while the priests of the Incranate Word presented a briefing on the spiritual and historic importance of the site.

In statements to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Patriarch Nona said that the visit to the Baptism Site of Lord Jesus Christ signals the onset of expanded religious pilgrimages to the holy site, particularly as preparations accelerate ahead of Jubilee 2030.

The patriarch expressed deep appreciation for the care expressed by His Majesty King Abdullah II in preserving the site, noting that Royal care reinforces its historic identity and international standing across the Christian world.

For his part, Director-General of the Baptism Site Commission Abdullah Al-Bawarid noted that visits by global church leaders remain vital with  regards to including the site on the international pilgrimage map. He stressed that institutional efforts, anchored by Royal patronage, ensure the site's environmental, historic, and religious integrity are safeguarded for visitors worldwide.

Following the visit to the Baptism Site, Patriarch Nona and his accompanying delegation proceeded to Mount Nebo, where they were welcomed by Franciscan Fr. Bernard and a number of priests who provided an overview of the archaeological, spiritual, and historical significance of the site, which is associated with the Prophet Moses in Biblical tradition.