Jordan

Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a nation in the Middle East, located east of the Jordan River, covering approximately 89,342 km² with a population of about 10.3 million as of 2024. Known for its historical sites, tourism, and phosphate exports, Jordan’s economy operates with Arabic as the official language. The Catholic Church, with approximately 50,000 adherents (0.5% of the population, mostly ethnic Jordanians and expatriates), plays a minor but notable role, introduced in the early Christian era. Catholicism influences small communities through devotion to Saint John the Baptist, the nation’s patron, and festivals like Christmas.

Jordan’s arid climate and rich cultural heritage, blending Arab, Bedouin, and Christian influences, support a modest Catholic presence, evident in churches like the Church of the Baptism of Jesus in Bethany Beyond the Jordan. The Church operates schools and charities, maintaining influence among local Christians and expatriates despite Islam’s dominance. Rooted in its ancient Christian history and modern statehood since 1946, Catholicism persists in a Muslim-majority society, fostering interfaith dialogue. Stored: Jordan

Country: Jordan
Historic:	Yes
Existence:	–
Continent:	Asia
Region:	Middle East
Historical Region:
Area:	89342 km²
Population:	10300000
Catholic Population:	50000
Catholic Percentage:	0.5%
Catholicism Status:	Minority religion
Official Languages:	Arabic
Capital:	Amman
Catholicism Introduced:	1st century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	0
Dioceses:	1
Patron Saints:	Saint John the Baptist
Predecessor States:
Successor States:

Geography

Jordan is bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south, and Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to the west, covering 89,342 km². Its arid climate and diverse terrain, including the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and desert plateaus, support tourism and agriculture. Major cities, including Amman, Irbid, and Madaba, host Catholic communities, with sites like Bethany Beyond the Jordan serving as pilgrimage hubs. Jordan’s geography facilitates Catholic worship, particularly at biblical sites.

History

Jordan’s history traces back to ancient kingdoms like Nabataea, followed by Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic rule, with modern independence in 1946. Catholicism emerged in the 1st century, with early Christian communities in places like Madaba. The Church grew under Byzantine rule but declined after the Islamic conquests. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, re-established in 1847, oversees Jordan’s Catholics, serving ethnic Jordanians and expatriates.

Demographics

Jordan’s population of approximately 10.3 million is predominantly Arab (97%), with Circassian, Armenian, and expatriate minorities. Catholics, including Latin, Melkite, and other rites, number about 50,000 (0.5%), within a broader Christian minority (2%) in a Sunni Muslim-majority (95%) nation. Urban areas like Amman and Madaba have small Catholic communities, while rural areas have minimal presence. Islam’s dominance and emigration challenge Catholic retention.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Jordan operates under the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, with no separate dioceses in Jordan, overseeing about 30 parishes. The Church runs schools, like Terra Sancta College, and charities like Caritas Jordan, serving locals and refugees. Bishops, including William Shomali, promote Catholic Social Teaching in humanitarian efforts.

Structure

The Church is under the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (Jerusalem), covering Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, with additional Eastern Catholic jurisdictions like the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Petra and Philadelphia in Amman. Parishes align with Jordan’s governorates, serving local and expatriate Catholics. The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land coordinates activities.

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism arrived in the 1st century, with early Christian communities in biblical sites like Pella and Jerash. Byzantine-era churches, like those in Madaba, reflect early Catholic presence. The Church persisted through Islamic rule, with modern growth tied to the 19th-century Latin Patriarchate’s revival.

Key historical events

Key milestones include the establishment of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in 1847, restoring Catholic governance. The Church supported Christian communities during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, aiding refugees. It played a humanitarian role in the Syrian refugee crisis post-2011. Pope John Paul II’s 2000 visit and Pope Francis’s 2014 visit to Bethany Beyond the Jordan reinforced Catholicism’s significance.

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 0.5% of the population, is a minority religion in a Muslim-majority state, enjoying legal recognition within the Christian minority. The Church maintains influence through education, charity, and pilgrimage sites, navigating Islamic dominance and regional tensions. Its role in interfaith dialogue is notable.

Administrative subdivisions

Jordan is divided into 12 governorates, which serve as first-level administrative subdivisions. These are: Ajloun, Amman, Aqaba, Balqa, Irbid, Jerash, Karak, Ma’an, Madaba, Mafraq, Tafilah, and Zarqa. Amman serves as the administrative and Catholic hub.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Saint John the Baptist on June 24 with masses at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, alongside Christmas and Easter in small communities. These traditions foster Christian identity.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools like Terra Sancta College and supports Caritas Jordan, aiding Syrian and Iraqi refugees, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is evident in the Church of the Baptism of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan and the Madaba Mosaic Map, a 6th-century masterpiece.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Church of the Baptism of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a UNESCO site, attracts global pilgrims. Mount Nebo, linked to Moses, is another key site.

Historical churches

The Church of Saint George in Madaba, housing the Mosaic Map, and Our Lady of the Mountain in Anjara are significant for their historical value.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Saint John the Baptist is Jordan’s patron, venerated on June 24.

Associated saints and blesseds

No canonized saints are directly tied to Jordan, but early Christian martyrs like Saint George, venerated in Madaba, are associated with the region.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces Islam’s dominance, emigration of Christians, and regional conflicts. It responds with interfaith initiatives and humanitarian aid.

Social and political influence

The Catholic Church supports education and refugee aid through Caritas Jordan, promoting interfaith harmony and human rights, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching. Its influence is limited but impactful among Christians.

External links

• "Jordan". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/jordan/. 
• "Catholic Dioceses in Jordan". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/JO.htm. 
• "Religion in Jordan". Catholics & Cultures. 2024-09-20. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/jordan.