Pope to visit Jordan, Israel, Palestinian areas in March
The Holy See officially announced on Wednesday that Pope John Paul II will launch a religious tour that will take him to Jordan, Israel and Palestinian areas between March 20-26.
The Vatican said in a statement that during his stay in Jordan, the pontiff, who will turn 80 in May, is due to visit the monastery of Mount Nebo and celebrate mass in Amman stadium.
In Israel and the Palestinian areas, head of the Catholic church will hold masses in Bethlehem, the birthpalce of Jesus Christ, preside over the celebrations of the Eucharist in the city, the Mount of Beatitudes in Galilee, the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth and the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The pope is scheduled to meet Chatolic church heads in Jerusalem and visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
He is also due to meet Israeli President and Prime Minister Ezer Weizman and Ehud Barak and Palestinian president Yasser Arafat.
Meanwhile, the Jordan announced that the Pope will visit Jordan during his visit to the holy lands on March 20 through 26.
During his visit to Jordan, the pope will meet with King Abdullah II and will visit several holy sites in Jordan especially the al-Maghtas, where the Christ was Baptist, at the hands of John the Baptist. The Pope will also preside over a huge mass to be held in al-Hussein city for Youths.
