Andrea Bocelli prays at Jordan River site of Jesus’ baptism

Italian star tenor Andrea Bocelli, 58, a Catholic, makes the sign of the cross at the edge of the Jordan River, attended by a priest, at Al-Maghtas, Jordan. Bocelli prayed at the traditional site of Jesus' baptism and told The Associated Press that he "prayed for peace in the world." (Elena Boffetta/Jordan Tourism Board via AP) Italian star tenor Andrea Bocelli, 58, a Catholic, makes the sign of the cross at the edge of the Jordan River, attended by a priest, at Al-Maghtas, Jordan. Bocelli prayed at the traditional site of Jesus' baptism and told The Associated Press that he "prayed for peace in the world." (Elena Boffetta/Jordan Tourism Board via AP)

By Associated Press September 18, 2017 2 min read

AL-MAGHTAS, Jordan (AP) – Italian star tenor Andrea Bocelli made a pilgrimage to the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism Monday, praying for peace as he stood on the edge of the River Jordan.

Bocelli, 58, who is blind, was guided by a priest who scooped up river water and poured it over Bocelli’s hands. The artist, a Catholic, made a sign of the cross and the priest recited the Ave Maria (Hail Mary) prayer.

The spot represents the “roots of my faith,” Bocelli told The Associated Press. “For this reason, it is a very special place. I am very happy to be here. I prayed for peace in the world.”

Bocelli was to perform later Monday at a Roman amphitheater in Jordan’s northern city of Jerash.

Jordan hopes headliners like Bocelli will help revive a tourism industry that had been flagging in recent years amid regional turmoil. The kingdom portrays itself as an oasis of stability.