“Jordan now has a historic opportunity to demonstrate to millions of Christians that the Kingdom is not merely a secondary stop on a pilgrimage itinerary, but an integral part of the Holy Land and home to the authentic site of the Baptism of Christ

“the initiative seeks to preserve the site’s religious and historical character, strengthen Christian pilgrimage, and improve services while highlighting Jordan’s role in protecting Christian holy sites

“A pilgrimage, he explained, should not end at the Jordan River. Pilgrims should also be encouraged to discover other Christian landmarks across the Kingdom, including Madaba and its famous mosaic map, Mount Nebo, Machaerus and the site associated with Prophet Elijah

“the anniversary should also serve as an opportunity for the international Christian community to discover Jordan’s deeply rooted Christian heritage, which stretches back to the earliest centuries of Christianity

“Jordan will remain a guardian of religious heritage, a model for strengthening the values of peace, dialogue and tolerance, and a trusted partner in protecting holy sites and presenting them to the world in a manner that reflects their historical and spiritual truth.

“The Baptism Site, he said, should not be approached simply as a conventional tourist destination, but as a sacred place where believers can pray, contemplate and encounter the Gospel narrative

“the commemoration goes far beyond a single anniversary or a celebration lasting only a few days. Rather, it represents a historic responsibility and an opportunity to direct the attention of Christians around the world toward Jordan, the land where the Baptism of Christ took place