Pope Benedict XVI was welcomed to the Holy Land as a true friend of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. His visit marked an important stage in the development of the relationship between the Vatican and Israel, strengthening the dialogue between Christianity, Judaism and Islam, as part of the effort to achieve peace in the region.

Members of all three great monotheistic religions live together in Israel, and the country is committed to guaranteeing complete freedom of worship to all, and to safeguarding free access to all holy sites. 

Pilgrimage to Israel constitutes a bridge to peace between peoples and religions. Israel encourages Christians throughout the world to support the message of the Pope's visit and to follow his example of experiencing first-hand a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Israel invites believers throughout the world to follow in the Pope's footsteps and come on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.