May
11
Pope Benedict XVI begins the second and most difficult leg of his visit to the Middle East today. His appearance in the Holy Land will require a diplomatic high-wire act. “I come as a pilgrim of peace”, the Pope said before departing for the area.
After visiting Jordan, Pope Benedict XVI flies to Tel Aviv on Monday where he will be met by Israeli President Shimon Peres. The Pope’s busy schedule includes a visit to Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Old City of Jerusalem and the Holocaust museum Yad Vashem.
By visiting Israel and the Palestinian areas, the Pope is entering a religious and political minefield. Between his controversial remarks on Islam and his reinstatement of Holocaust denier Richard Williamson, the Pope will have to put his best foot forward if he wants to end his visit successfully. Read more