A new church, shrine and monasteries at the baptism site of Jesus have been inaugurated near the river Jordan.

The Catholic church development at Al-Maghtas, known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, will be one of the largest Christian centres in the Middle East, comparable to the Church of the Annunciation, the Church of the Nativity, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, consecrated the church on Friday with a special Mass, accompanied by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

The church's altar will contain relics of Pope John Paul II together with the Holy Martyrs of Damascus, among others.

Presiding over the Mass which was attended by thousands of pilgrims, Cardinal Parolin said :

"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...

"At a time in history when this region is experiencing serious upheaval, it is important that Christians also make their contribution to the building of a just and peaceful society."

The site is officially recognised as being the place where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. It's altar will contain relics of Pope John Paul II together with the Holy Martyrs of Damascus.

It has been designated as a pilgrimage destination during the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.