Jordan’s Latin patriarchal vicar calls for unified pilgrimage route across the Holy Land

Bishop Iyad Twal, the Latin patriarchal vicar for Jordan, is calling for a unified pilgrimage route that connects the holy sites of Jordan and Palestine. Speaking to ACI MENA, Twal said the goal is to create a shared spiritual journey across the Holy Land rather than having countries compete to attract visitors.

Twal, who serves on the board of trustees of the Baptism Site Commission, noted that the year 2030 marks 2,000 years since the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. He suggested this milestone provides an opportunity to strengthen Jordan's position on the Christian pilgrimage map. He emphasized that infrastructure and tourism developments should support the spiritual experience of the faithful instead of turning sacred sites into mere tourist destinations.

The bishop praised the Jordanian government for establishing a national committee led by the prime minister to prepare for the 2030 occasion. Twal suggested that cooperation between the Church, the state, and the private sector could integrate the religious, cultural, and humanitarian aspects of the pilgrimage.