(Communicated by the Ministry of Tourism)

Getting ready for the Papal visit: Three weeks before the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI in Israel, the sixth annual Pope John Paul II Pilgrimage Peace Marathon was held on Thursday, 23 April 2009.

This unique marathon, an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and CSI, the Italian Sports Association, is a fascinating encounter between pilgrims from Italy and other European countries and runners from Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Israel. The marathon aims to continue the legacy of Pope John Paul II for peace, brotherhood and inter-religious cooperation.

About 150 Israeli and Palestinian runners participated in the festive marathon, alongside about 50 runners from Italy, headed by senior Vatican official Cardinal Josef Clemens - the first delegation of the thousands of pilgrims expected to arrive in Israel as a result of the Papal visit, scheduled for 11-15 May.

For the first time, two leading Italian athletes joined the peace marathon: three-times Olympic foil fencing champion Giovanna Trillini and former professional football midfielder and AC Milan star Demetrio Albertini who serves today as the Deputy President of the Italian Football Association. Former Italian volleyball world champion Andrea Zorzi also joined the marathon as in previous years.
 
The marathon began at the Church of the Nativity plaza in Bethlehem. On arrival at Rachel's Crossing, the Italian and Palestinian runners were joined by Israeli runners. The marathon ended at Notre Dame Church in Jerusalem with a festive ceremony and the distribution of medals.

Lat year's Peace Marathon was particularly memorable with the participation of 62 year old Italian marathon runner Ulderico Lambertucci. The Italian runner, who entered the Guinness Book of Records with 46 marathons in one year, ran 6,000 km from St. Peter's Square in the Vatican to Bethlehem, carrying a message of peace and a torch that received the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. Three weeks after this year's marathon, Pope Benedict XVI himself will deliver messages of peace in Holy Mass in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, as well as Nazareth.