Pope Francis meets Jordanian parliamentary delegation at "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity" exhibition in Rome

AMMAN — Pope Francis met on Thursday with a Jordanian Lower House delegation, led by First Deputy Speaker of the Lower House Mustafa Khasawneh, during the "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity" exhibition in Rome, Italy.

During the meeting, Khasawneh highlighted Jordan’s rich cultural and religious heritage, describing it as a vast museum of historical and archaeological landmarks. 

He also underscored the country’s numerous churches and sacred sites, urging European pilgrims and tourists to explore these treasures and immerse themselves in Jordan’s profound historical legacy, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Khasawneh also pointed out Jordan’s significance as the site of the Jordan River, where Jesus Christ was baptised and the presence of hundreds of other religious and archaeological sites that are integral to Christian pilgrimage.

He also reiterated that the Hashemite leadership has always championed values of tolerance and coexistence, ensuring justice and equality as enshrined in the constitution, which guarantees rights and responsibilities for all Jordanians.

The "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity" exhibition, organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Tourism Board, and the Vatican, aims to spotlight Jordan’s pivotal role in the birth of Christianity. 

The exhibition underscores the lasting spiritual legacy of the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River, reflecting the enduring commitment of the Hashemite leadership to preserving this rich heritage.