Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Calls Consecration of Baptism Church a 'Sign of Hope'

Amman, Jordan, January 10, 2025: The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has expressed strong hopes for the upcoming consecration of the Church of the Baptism of Jesus at Al-Maghtas, scheduled for January 10. The event, which marks a significant milestone in the region, will be presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. In an interview with Vatican News on Thursday, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized that the consecration of the church represents a “sign of continuity, life, and growth” for the Catholic Church throughout the Middle East, offering hope in a Jubilee Year marked by ongoing challenges.

During the interview, Pizzaballa described the dedication ceremony as a long-awaited moment that culminates years of planning. He highlighted the significance of the event in light of the Jubilee Year and the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Al-Maghtas.  During his visit, the late pontiff had referred to the site as “a place steeped in history” and “bearing the imprint not only of man but of God Himself.” Cardinal Pizzaballa reiterated that the consecration signifies the Church’s steadfast desire for unity and growth, especially in a region currently facing adversity.

The new Latin church at Al-Maghtas has been built on land that was once militarized until the 1990s. It was recognized as the "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" mentioned in the Gospel of John, the site of Jesus' baptism, through the efforts of Franciscan archaeologist Father Michele Piccirillo. This accomplishment, which resulted from collaborative coordination, could not have been realized without the support of Jordan. The country’s pivotal role in the rise and evolution of Christianity was recently highlighted with an exhibition in Amman. The exhibition showcased more than 80 artifacts spanning from the 1st century AD to the Byzantine, Islamic, and Hashemite periods. This exhibition will travel to Rome later this month.

Courtesy: Vatican News