Against a mural of angels, pilgrims prayed for peace

Tight security following months of planning ensured the pope’s Mass in Jerusalem passed off without any trouble

Tight security following months of planning ensured the pope’s Mass in Jerusalem passed off without any trouble

ATTENDANCE AT Pope Benedict XVI’s outdoor Mass in the valley of Jehoshaphat beneath the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City was by invitation only.

Due to the extremely tight security operation, all approach roads to the area were closed off hours before the event and the pilgrims were bused in from two separate locations in

Jerusalem.

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This left some guests having to wait for three to four hours in the sun before the event actually got under way.

An Arab pipe band entertained the waiting crowd.

A ripple of excitement spread through the gathering when the popemobile finally arrived and the pontiff, looking frail at times, led a column of bishops up the red-carpeted steps on to the massive stage.

It had been erected in the stunningly beautiful valley that lies between the Old City and the Mount of Olives.

The crowd was limited to 5,000 and a large number of those present appeared to be Catholic clergy. The pilgrims, seated among the olive trees, waved flags from Mexico, Columbia, the Philippines and other countries.

However, the most popular flag was the Palestinian flag and many in the audience were local Arabic-speaking Christians.

Pascal LeBreton ,who came from Amiens, France, said this was a dream come true.

“I’ve always wanted to come on a Holy Land pilgrimage and this is a wonderful moment for me,” he said.

“I just pray that the Israelis and Palestinians can absorb the Holy Father’s message of peace and compassion and bring an end to the violence.”

Dressed in a gold robe and hat, and carrying a large cross, the pope began the Mass with the traditional Latin greeting Pax vobiscum (Peace be with you).

The impressive backdrop to the stage featured a dramatic mural depicting angels.

As the crowd began to disperse, an Israeli government official breathed a sigh of relief that the event had passed off peacefully without any major hitches.

But he said it was no comparison to a similar event he helped organise in 2000 for the Millennium pilgrimage of Pope John Paul II. “This was meticulously planned months ago,” he said, “but last time was more exciting and full of passion.”