(23 Dec 08 - RV) With only three days to go to Christmas, Christians in the land of
Christ’s birth were given an extra reason to celebrate this year with the announcement
today that Pope Benedict will visit them on pilgrimage to the Holy Land next year.
The
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fuad Thwal confirmed to reporters today that
the Pope will travel to the region this coming Spring.
The Patriarch spoke
with us shortly after the Christmas press conference during which he also launched
an appeal to world leaders to heed the need for peace in the Middle East.
Patriarch
Twal says he is confident the Holy Father’s visit will help Christians in the Holy
Land to meet the challenges they face, and give the Church the strength to thrive
as a witness to Christ in the land of His birth: