(04 May 09 - RV) Vatican Press office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi today underlined
the importance and complexity of Pope Benedict’s upcoming pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Fr
Lombardi was speaking to journalists ahead of the Pope’s departure this Friday to
Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. He told them that the Holy Father’s
principal aim during his 7 day trip is to confirm and encourage the Christians in
the Holy Land who live in very difficult circumstances. Fr Lombardi also recalled
that the voyage takes place in a complex social context following the recent conflict
in Gaza, the election of a new Israeli government and the divisions within the Palestinian
political sphere. The first scheduled stop on the Pope’s agenda is Amman Jordan.
We spoke to the Ambassador of Jordan to the Holy See, Dina Kawar, about the importance
of this visit.