Amman:Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the World, His Beatitude Mar Paul III Nona, visited the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, also known as Al-Maghtas, emphasizing its importance as a key location for Christian pilgrims worldwide.
According to Jordan News Agency, Patriarch Nona expressed that the visit by the delegation marks the beginning of increased religious pilgrimages to the sacred site, especially with ongoing preparations for Jubilee 2030.
The Patriarch extended heartfelt appreciation for the stewardship of His Majesty King Abdullah II, highlighting that the Royal custodianship maintains the site's historical and international significance within the Christian community.
Director-General of the Baptism Site Commission, Abdullah Al-Bawarid, emphasized that visits from global church leaders are crucial in establishing Al-Maghtas as a significant destination for international pilgrimage. He pointed out that the Royal patronage plays a vital role in safeguarding the site's environmental, historical, and religious integrity for global visitors.
The Chaldean Patriarch was joined by Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Basil Yaldo, Bishop of Dohuk Azad Shaba, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Al-Twal, Chaldean Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Monsignor Zaid Habbaba, and Secretary-General of the Latin Archbishopric in Jordan Father Khaled Qamoh, with Deputy Director-General of the Commission Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Adwan also in attendance.