Jordan marks 25th anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II’s Holy Land visit

Welcome to a journey back in time, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Fr. Rif’at Bader, a Jordanian priest of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, takes us through the historic visit and its lasting impact on the region. One of the key highlights of this pilgrimage was the recent inauguration of the Church at the site of the Baptism of Jesus on the River Jordan.

Reflecting on the Journey

Fr. Rif’at Bader shares his vivid memories of Pope John Paul II’s apostolic journey to Jordan in the year 2000. This visit, which coincided with the global commemoration of the bicentennial birth of Jesus Christ, was a momentous occasion that left a lasting imprint on the hearts of the faithful.

Despite the challenges posed by the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Jerusalem, the Pope’s unwavering commitment to visit the Holy Land in the Great Jubilee Year of 2000 was a testament to his profound faith and dedication to spiritual unity.

A Historic Visit

The young King Abdullah II of Jordan, who had recently assumed his constitutional authority, welcomed Pope John Paul II with grace and hospitality. The Pope, in turn, emphasized the importance of forgiveness, faith, and cooperation among people of goodwill for the betterment of society.

During a solemn Mass at the Amman International Stadium, attended by thousands of faithful, the Pope inaugurated the first pilgrimage to the Baptism Site on the River Jordan. This momentous occasion marked a new chapter in religious tourism at this sacred location.

Legacy of the Visit

Through the efforts of individuals like Minister of Tourism Aqel Biltaji and Prince Ghazi Ibn Muhammad, the authenticity and global significance of the Baptism Site were highlighted. The Pope’s heartfelt words of blessing for the Jordanian people, both Christians and Muslims, continue to resonate to this day.

As we look back on this historic journey a quarter century later, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of Pope John Paul II’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Let us cherish the memories and continue to uphold the values of faith, forgiveness, and cooperation for a better tomorrow.