In time for the visit of Pope Francis, Monasterio de Tarlac and the Israel Embassy in Manila opened a photo exhibit “Pope Francis in Israel, the Holy Land” on January 11 at the Servant of the Risen Christ Center, Monasterio de Tarlac in San Jose, Tarlac. In May last year, Pope Francis visited Israel. The photo exhibit shows the highlights of this visit, including the Pope’s meetings with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I; masses in the Cenacle and Church of Gethsemane; and visit at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.
Rev. Fr. Archie Cortez said Pope Francis’ visit to Israel marks an important milestone in the deepening relationship between the Catholic church and the Jewish people.
The photo exhibit follows the journey of Pope Francis from the Holy See to the Holy City of Jerusalem, and to the blessed land of the Monasterio de Tarlac.
“This event is a bridge which is what we all need in our days. We look around the world, too many people are looking for a cause that highlights differences and brings violence and antagonism. Pope Francis is good role model to all of us, across religions and across divides, as a man who creates bridges,” Israeli Ambassador Effie Ben Matityau said.
For more information about the "Pope in the Holy Land" exhibition, please send an e-mail to info@manila.mfa.gov.il