Christ’s Baptism Site Must Remain Living Place of Encounter With God, Cardinal Pizzaballa Says

May 21, 2026 World News

The back of the Latin church dedicated to the baptism of Jesus, a few meters from the Jordan River in the locality known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan.” Construction of the church began 17 years ago, with the laying of the foundation stone blessed by Pope Benedict XVI, when he came as a pilgrim to the Holy Land.

As Jordan launches preparations for the 2030 Jubilee of Christ’s baptism, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa calls for spiritual renewal.