Pope Benedict XVI who is expected to be accompanied by an estimated More than 15,000 Christian pilgrims, is to visit Israel and Jordan May 8-15.  The pilgrimage will mark the second time a pope has visited Israel. The first was in 2000 when Pope John Paul II made his landmark visit.

The pope arrives in Jordan this Friday at the start of a Holy Land pilgrimage promoting peace and interfaith relations in a visit which the Vatican hopes will help improve its strained ties with both Israel and the Muslim world. Continue Reading

The Pope’s Holy Land Pilgrimage will include a visit to Jordan, followed on 11-15 May by a visit to Israel and the holy sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem. The Pope will also meet with religious leaders during his five day visit. The highlight of the Pope’s visit to Israel will be Holy Mass at the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem, where thousands are expected to participate on the afternoon of 12 May. The Pope will also visit Yad Vashem (11 May) and the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Mount Zion, the Cenacle and Gethsemane Church on 12 May. After a visit to Bethlehem and Mass at Manger Square, (13 May), the Pope will deliver another Mass in Nazareth at Mount Precipice and pray at the Church of the Annunciation (14 May). Continue Reading