About The Church of the Baptism of Our Lord in Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas):
A new Catholic Church in the Holy Land is something to be celebrated, and the newest in many years was built here following the donation by King Abdullah II of Jordan of an almost-7.5-acre plot of land on the outskirts of the historic site of Al-Maghtas (also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, in the Qafra region) in 2003. The project was funded by the patriarchate and a number of charities, and also benefited from a donation of almost 1 million euros from the Hungarian government through its “Hungary Helps” program, designed to support Christian communities in difficulty around the world.
The construction of the Catholic church and monastery was overseen by former Patriarch Fouad Twal and Bishop Salim Sayegh, with significant contributions from Nadim Muasher, a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, who dedicated the project to his son, who tragically passed away in a car accident at the site.
One of the largest churches in the Middle East, with a capacity of over 1,000 people, it is run by the Congregation of the Incarnate Word (IVE), this new Catholic church covers an area of approximately 24,000 square feet (2,200 square meters) and is now one of the largest in the Middle East, along with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It is the result of several years’ collaboration between the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Jordanian architect Nadim Muasher, a member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
The foundation stone was laid by Pope Benedict XVI during a visit to Jordan in 2009, alongside King Abdullah II.
Constructed from Tafouhi stone—yellowish stone from Hebron—the church features stained-glass windows crafted in Lebanon in the style of Chartres Cathedral, one of the most celebrated Gothic structures in France.
The relics of Pope John Paul II and the Holy Martyrs of Damascus, among others, are inside the Altar.
On January 10, 2025, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzabella, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over the Mass during which the dedication of the Altar and the inauguration of the Church of the Baptism of the Lord at the Jordan River. The in a ceremony that was attended by some 6,000 faithful — including about 1,000 inside the building — according to an estimate by the Jordan Tourism Board. Among them were approximately 100 priests and 15 bishops from several countries.
The church hosts the annual pilgrimage to Al-Maghtas, every January. During this time, masses, prayers, and the renewal of baptismal vows take place all in celebration of the Feast of Christ’s baptism and its profound significance in the Christian Faith. This church has been designated as a pilgrimage destination for the faithful to receive plenary indulgence during the Jubilee of Hope 2025.
The friars and nuns of the Incarnate Word maintain the site, host pilgrims, and lead prayer and Masses.