Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Thursday, 8 December 2022
King Abdullah II attends launch of master plan to develop land adjacent to Baptism Site

petra.gov.jo :

His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday, December 8, attended the launch of the master plan to develop the land adjacent to the Baptism Site of  Jesus Christ, in order to enhance the services offered to pilgrims and visitors.


According to a Royal Hashemite Court (RHC) statement, King Abdullah, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein Ibn Abdullah II, viewed an exhibit showcasing the details of the master plan and the designs that would be implemented in the land adjacent to the Baptism Site, over an area of 1,374 dunums.


His Majesty listened to a briefing on the master plan, which will be implemented over several phases and is based on architectural studies that ensure respecting the spirituality of the holy site.


The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, will remain a protected zone, pristine, and untouched. It is overseen by a Royal Commission responsible for preserving it, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy.


The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, located nine kilometers  north of the Dead Sea on the East Bank of the Jordan River, is one of the holiest sites for Christianity on Earth; efforts to preserve and protect it are in line with the historic role of His Majesty the King towards holy sites under the Hashemite Custodianship.


Their Royal Highnesses Prince Hashem Ibn Abdullah II, Prince Ghazi, and Prince Mired Ibn Ra’ad, chief royal councilor at the Royal Hashemite Court, as well as a number of Royal Family members, senior officials, Christian leaders, and international figures and investors attended the launch.