Al-Qaisi proposes cultural exhibition in Vatican to mark 30 years of Jordan-Vatican relations
By : staff writer
Jordan Daily – Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Al-Qaisi, attended a Vatican meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis , exploring ways the Vatican could support Christian pilgrimages to Jordan.
Accompanied by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Tourism Committee, Deputy Majdi Al-Yaqoub, and the Ministry’s Secretary-General, Dr. Imad Hajazin, the visit coincides with Al-Qaisi’s trip to the Vatican to meet religious leaders and discuss the Vatican’s role in promoting Christian pilgrimage, especially with the announcement of 2030 as the Year of John the Baptist, inviting Catholics worldwide to visit Christian pilgrimage sites in Jordan.
Emphasizing the importance of sites like the Baptism Site, Al-Qaisi proposed a 2025 cultural exhibition in the Vatican, marking 30 years of Jordan-Vatican relations, according to a statement sent to Jordan Daily.
In talks with Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Al-Qaisi highlighted ongoing efforts to restore Machaerus fortress , significant for pilgrims, suggesting the Vatican recognize Jordan’s role in Christian pilgrimage, focusing on the Baptism Site’s significance.
Cardinal Parolin praised Jordan, the only destination for four popes, affirming its importance.
Al-Qaisi also met with Bishop Rino Fisichella, responsible for Christian pilgrimage at the Vatican, discussing pilgrimage routes and Machaerus management for Christian visitors.
Bishop Fisichella commended Jordan’s preservation under King Abdullah II, citing its model of Christian-Muslim coexistence. He invited Al-Qaisi to the Global Conference of Bishops to be held in Rome in May 2025.
In Rome, Al-Qaisi met with Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè , emphasizing Jordan’s safety for Italians. They discussed private sector collaboration and marketing Jordan’s tourism in Italy, where Italians are the second-largest European visitors. The meeting aimed to boost tourism amid regional conflicts.