Pope Benedict Sends Message to Holy Land Ahead of Visit
(06 May 09 - RV) Pope Benedict will be leaving for the Holy Land this Friday, spending
a week in Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories. During Wednesday’s weekly
general audience, the Pope spoke about his upcoming trip to the 40,000 people in St.
Peter’s Square. He also sent a special message to the people of the Holy Land...
"My dear friends,
this Friday I leave Rome for my Apostolic Visit to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian
Territories. I wish this morning to take the opportunity through this radio and television
broadcast to greet all the peoples of those lands. I am eagerly looking forward to
being with you and to sharing with you your aspirations and hopes as well as your
pains and struggles. I will be coming among you as a pilgrim of peace. My primary
intention is to visit the places made holy by the life of Jesus, and, to pray at them
for the gift of peace and unity for your families, and all those for whom the Holy
Land and the Middle East is home. Among the many religious and civic gatherings which
will take place over the course of the week, will be meetings with representatives
from the Muslim and Jewish communities with whom great strides have been made in dialogue
and cultural exchange. In a special way I warmly greet the Catholics of the region
and ask you to join me in praying that the visit will bear much fruit for the spiritual
and civic life of all who dwell in the Holy Land. May we all praise God for his goodness.
May we all be people of hope. May we all be steadfast in our desire and efforts for
peace."