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The Holy See studies the possibility of Papal visit to the Holy Land. The spokesman of the Holy See has confirmed Benedict XVI's desire to visit the Holy Land in 2009 in response to statements in the …More
The Holy See studies the possibility of Papal visit to the Holy Land.

The spokesman of the Holy See has confirmed Benedict XVI's desire to visit the Holy Land in 2009 in response to statements in the Israeli press.

Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican Press office said, "I confirm that diplomatic contacts are under way to study the possibility of a visit by the Holy Father to the Holy Land next year", Zenit News Agency reported.

With this declaration, the spokesman responded to an article published by the Israeli "Haaretz" newspaper on November 26. The papal visit, that comes in response to the invitations of presidents Shimon Peres and Mahmud Abbas, could take place in the second week of May, the Israeli newspaper declares.

This would be the third visit of a Pope to the Holy Land, after that of Paul VI in 1964 and John Paul II in 2000.