Consecration Mass for the Church of the Baptism of the Lord at the Jordan River: Cardinal Parolin's Message of Hope for Middle East Christians

At the historic Consecration Mass for the Church of the Baptism of the Lord at the Jordan River, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, underscored the profound significance of this sacred site. Situated at the lowest point on earth, it symbolizes God's meeting with humanity. This site, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries, embodying the fulfillment of the Old Testament’s anticipation of Christ’s coming.

Cardinal Parolin’s homily emphasized the importance of the occasion, stating that it invites Christians to engage in a spiritual renewal. He also delivered a powerful message of solidarity, reassuring Middle East Christians of the universal Church’s closeness during challenging times. "My presence here today, according to the wishes of the Pope, is meant to be a tangible sign of the closeness of the whole Church to the Christian communities of the Middle East," he said.

In his address, the Cardinal expressed Pope Francis’ gratitude to King Abdullah II and the Jordanian government for their care in preserving this sacred place. He also highlighted the growing bond between Jordan and the Holy See, underscored by the upcoming Vatican exhibition, "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity."

For Christians worldwide, this site represents not just history, but a call to renew their baptismal vows and commit fully to following Christ. "Today, we are called before all else to give thanks to God, and not only for the gift of this Church that is being consecrated to Him," Cardinal Parolin shared. "Everything starts with the fact that God became man and dwelt among us in this particular part of the world, in this Holy Land."

Cardinal Parolin concluded with a call for peace, emphasizing that the Baptism site is not only a historical landmark but a place for authentic spiritual renewal. “Here, in the lowest place on earth, in this blessed land where we sense the immense suffering caused by conflicts, acts of brutality and sinfulness, in this place where nonetheless the heavens were opened," he urged, "let us implore the gift of peace, the true peace that is born in hearts and spreads throughout the fabric of society."