The “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity” exhibition concluded at the Vatican on March 23, 2025, which was under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdulla II Ibn Al Hussein, after opening on January 31 at the start of the new year. The exhibition achieved exceptional success, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world—a testament to the growing international interest in Jordan’s deep religious and historical heritage. Due to high turnout and wide engagement, the exhibition was extended until the end of March, after originally being scheduled to conclude on February 28, allowing more visitors to explore Jordan’s spiritual and cultural treasures.

The Exhibition showcased a collection of rare artifacts representing pivotal stages in the history of Christianity in Jordan. Several of these pieces were displayed outside Jordan for the first time, offering visitors a rare opportunity to connect with the roots of Christianity and Jordan’s role as its cradle. The displays focused on the spiritual depth of Jordan’s sacred sites, foremost among them the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ—Bethany Beyond the Jordan—the birthplace of Christianity where John the Baptist baptised Jesus Christ and pilgrimage site today recognised by the Vatican. The Exhibition offered a rich visual and thematic experience, narrating a spiritual and historical journey that positions Jordan as a land of prophets and a crossroads of civilizations.

Jordan is an integral part of the Holy Land, and its rich religious heritage—both Islamic and Christian—forms a central component of the region’s spiritual identity. This diverse legacy is not limited to sacred places and monuments; it also embodies values of togetherness, shared living, and openness that have long defined Jordan.

The Exhibition carries special significance in reinforcing and promoting religious tourism to Jordan, which is home to five sites officially recognized by the Vatican as Christian pilgrimage destinations: Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Mount Nebo, Mukawir, Our Lady of the Mountain in Anjara, and Tel Mar Elias. Jordan is also one of the few countries around the world to have been visited by four Popes: Pope Paul VI in 1964, Pope John Paul II in 2000, Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, and Pope Francis in 2014—a remarkable indication of the country’s spiritual prominence on the global Christian map.

The Exhibition was marked by a visit from Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, whose presence underscored the continuous royal support for elevating Jordan’s profile on the international stage and its role in safeguarding holy sites and advancing interfaith dialogue. Her Majesty was accompanied by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, and the First Lady of the Italian Republic, Laura Mattarella—an occasion that reflected deep appreciation for Jordan’s pivotal contributions to religious harmony and spiritual heritage.

The Exhibition drew a wide international audience, including senior religious, political and cultural figures, as well as global media outlets that covered the event extensively. Visitors from diverse backgrounds expressed their admiration for the quality of the displays and the richness of the content, viewing the exhibition as a distinguished platform for interreligious and intercultural understanding, and a window into Jordan’s unique place in Christian history.

The timing of the Exhibition was symbolic, coinciding with the Vatican’s Holy Year of Jubilee—an extraordinary event held once every 25 years—and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jordan and the Holy See. This convergence of occasions added historical and spiritual depth to the exhibition and further elevated its role as a cultural and religious bridge between East and West.

Building on this success, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board announced plans to launch an international tour titled “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity – The Traveling Exhibition”, which is set to visit several European countries, including France, Portugal, and Greece, among others currently being coordinated. The tour aims to further showcase Jordan’s Christian heritage, strengthen religious tourism, and present the Kingdom as a global center for peace and interfaith dialogue.

The Exhibition, in its content and message, affirms Jordan’s ongoing commitment—under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Custodian of Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem—to preserving this rich religious and human legacy, and sharing it with the world as a powerful example of shared living and cherished spiritual values, from a land that has long been a source of divine messages and a meeting point of civilizations.