Vatican downplays tensions for papal trip to Israel

May 04, 2009

Briefing reporters on May 4, a week in advance of the trip by Pope Benedict XVI to Israel, Archbishop Antonio Franco, the apostolic nuncio in the Holy Land, said that the papal visit should not be a time to call attention to controversies, but to promote warmer relations among peoples.

Pope Benedict underlined the same message during his midday audience on Sunday, May 3, emphasizing that his trip would be a mission of peace and asking the faithful to pray "for the afflicted peoples of that region." But the chief papal spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, conceded to reporters that the papal trip would require great diplomatic delicacy, recognizing "how uncertain the political situation is in the area."

At his Sunday audience Pope Benedict asked for special prayers for "the Palestinian people, who have endured great hardship and suffering." Some Palestinian leaders have complained that a visit to Gaza is not on the papal schedule. But others are anxious to welcome him at a refugee camp outside Bethlehem, where the Pontiff is scheduled to speak in the shadow of the imposing concrete 'security wall' built by Israel around the camp.

 

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Further information:

• Pope says he’s ‘pilgrim of peace’ to Mideast (Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
• Bethlehem: refugees await Pope to show him the Wall (AsiaNews)
• Vatican plays down differences before Israel trip (AP)