Pope Benedict XVI is set to make his first visit to the Holy Land, Israel and the Palestinian territories in May 2009. This will be the third time a pope visit in Israel.
An official announcement regarding the visit was released stating the beginning of the route will be in Amman on May 8th, On the 11th the pope will arrive in Israel.
The pope had accepted an invitation from President Shimon Peres to visit the Holy Land. Both Israel and the Vatican are confident that this visit will help ease the tension of recent months between the Jewish people and the Roman Catholic Church.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism, Israel Tour Operators Association and Israel Hotel Association have already started to plan and prepare for the important papal visit in May.
Holy Land Pilgrimage - A bridge for peace"
Tourism Minister Ruhama Avraham-Balila: "The Pope's visit to the Holy Land is an important and very significant visit that represents a strategic anchor for pilgrimage tourism to Israel in the coming years. The atmosphere of understanding, reconciliation and peace between peoples and religions that the Pope inspires will contribute to a strengthening of Israel's image and encourage pilgrimages and tourism to Israel, especially in this period when the tourism industry is dealing with the ramifications of the global economic crisis.
"Pope Benedict XVI will visit in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth 2008 was a record year for tourism to Israel with three million visitors. Israel was pleased to welcome the two million Christian pilgrims and supporters of Israel among them. Most visit the sites that are holy to both Christians and Jews in Jerusalem and the traditional Christian sites in the Galilee and Bethlehem. Pope Benedict XVI will follow in their footsteps and tour Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.
During Pope Benedict XVI Visit, Pilgrims and the local Christian Community will have the opportunity to take part in two central religious events. The first is Mass on Tuesday, 12/5/09 at Kidron Valley at 16:00. The Mass is to conclude at approximately 18:00. The second Mass is on Thursday, 14/5/09 at the Mt. of Precipice in Nazareth at 10:00. The Mass is expected to conclude at approximately 12:00.
The Complete Plan for Pope Benedict XVI Visit to the Holyland
Israel Cathedrals