Pope Arrives in Uneasy Mideast

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 8, 2009 9:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – Pope Benedict landed in Jordan today to begin what could be a tense Middle East tour, the New York Times reports. Next week the pope will visit Israel and the Palestinian territories, delivering 32 speeches at some of the world’s holiest sites for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. But with the region still on edge from the Gaza conflict—and considering Benedict's poor track record with Muslims and Jews—they could be tense engagements.

The Archbishop of Jerusalem, for one, is worried. “One word for the Muslims and I’m in trouble, one word for the Jews, and I’m in trouble,” he said. But Benedict was eager to make the trip given his advanced age. He intends to urge both sides towards peace, and to improve his standings with both religions. “The trip is very important and very complex,” said a Vatican spokesman. “It seems a brave gesture.”

Palestinians attend noon prayers in Manger Square, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Palestinian territories. (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)

Pope Benedict XVI answers journalists' questions aboard the airplane to Jordan at the beginning of the pontiff's trip to the Middle East, Friday, May 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

Lebanon's Cardinal Nasrallah Sfair, right, kisses the hand of Pope Benedict XVI, left, on his arrival in Amman, Jordan Friday, May 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Ghosh)

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Middle East • Pope Benedict XVI • Catholic Church • Palestine • Jerusalem • Israel and Palestinians

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Pope Lands in Israel, Calls for Free Palestine

Pontiff steps into controversy immediately upon arrival

Israel OKs 1,100 More Homes in East Jerusalem

Palestine condemns move

Deal in Works to Prevent US-Palestine UN Showdown

Mahmoud Abbas would submit a letter, but not force a vote

Gaza Militants OK Israel Cease-Fire

Egypt brokers deal to stop escalating violence

Gazans Blame Hamas for Economic Woes

Party shares blame with Israel for sky-high unemployment

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