Vatican City: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin concluded his visit to Jordan Tuesday after presiding over the inauguration Mass of the Latin Baptism Church of Christ at the Baptism Site, where he served as Pope Francis's representative for the historic consecration. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Jordan News Agency (Petra), Cardinal Parolin detailed his mission as Papal Legate for the January 10 church consecration at the baptism site, where he witnessed what he described as a "vital and vibrant" Catholic Church in Jordan under the guidance of Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Cardinal emphasized the significance of Jordan-Vatican ties, strengthened by the presence of Jesus's baptism site and other holy places in Jordan. The diplomatic relationship marked its 30th anniversary in March 2024 with a visit by the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, Mgr. Paul Richard Gallagher. The Cardinal's visit included talks with Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, focusing on bilateral matters and an upcoming Vatican exhibition highlighting Christianity's historical roots in Jordan.
Parolin addressed religious coexistence, stressing the Holy See's concern for Christian communities across the Middle East. He highlighted the importance of Christians living in their own countries in harmony and peace, contributing significantly to the progress and development of nations like Jordan. The Vatican official expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II for his role in promoting interfaith harmony and religious freedom.
The newly consecrated church at Al Maghtas is a milestone for Catholic pilgrimage in Jordan, offering a site for pilgrims to worship near the place where Saint John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Parolin expressed optimism for increased pilgrim visits in 2025, designated as a jubilee year by the Catholic Church, to deepen understanding of the Gospel.
On regional peace efforts, Parolin praised Jordan's stability and King Abdullah's diplomatic initiatives, particularly regarding the Gaza situation. He noted the large number of refugees in Jordan as evidence of the kingdom's concern for neighboring countries. The Holy See's commitment to global peace processes emphasizes international law, equality, territorial integrity, and development cooperation.
The Cardinal's visit underscores the importance of Jordan-Vatican relations, highlighting Jordan's role in preserving Christian heritage and contributing to regional stability and interfaith dialogue.