Jerusalem - Pope John Paul will visit the Holy Land for millennium celebrations, Israel's tourism minister said in a press statement last evening. Mr Moshe Katsav said he "received reports that the Pope will arrive in March 2000 for a visit in the Palestinian Authority and Israel". Earlier yesterday Mr Katsav held talks with Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, chairman of the Vatican's committee for the millennium, to discuss Israel's preparations for hosting millions of pilgrims next year. The cardinal, who addressed a news conference in Jerusalem, did not say the visit had been finalised however.
Israel has been pushing for a papal visit to boost millennium celebrations. Last month the Pope accepted an invitation from the Palestinian leader, Mr Yasser Arafat, to visit Bethlehem.