Pope’s Israel trip is spiritual, says Apostolic Nuncio

(March, 11, 2009):- The schedule for Pope Benedict XVI's May 11-15 visit to the Holy Land, was officially presented at a Press Conference in Jerusalem on Tuesday, by Archbishop Antonio Franco, apostolic nuncio in Israel. The prelate highlighted that the most important moments of the trip will be three public Masses, one in Jerusalem, another in Bethlehem and the final one in Nazareth. He said the Pope will spend May 11-12 in Jerusalem. On 13th May, he will go to Bethlehem and on the 14th to Nazareth. The Mass in Nazareth is expected to draw the largest crowd, given its coincidence with the conclusion of a Year of the Family. The Holy Father will bless a cornerstone for a new international center dedicated to support the family.
Meetings with the Israeli and Palestinian Authority presidents are scheduled, as are meetings with Jewish and Muslim leaders, in the respective holy places of both creeds. Planned also is a visit to the Holocaust memorial, the Yad Vashem.
Archbishop Franco emphasized that the aim of the Pontiff's trip is above all spiritual. He said the Holy Father will pray for the gift of peace and unity for the Holy Land, the Middle East and the whole world. The nuncio affirmed that there has been full collaboration among Israeli and Palestinian authorities, and noted that the Israeli government has agreed to facilitate permissions for Bethlehem Christians to participate in the celebrations, as well as for two bus loads of people from Gaza.