The Pope's visit to Israel

In his approach to the world outside the Church, to other churches, to other religions and particularly the Jews the Pope has blazed a new trail, winning justifiable respect and support from many Jews.

There is no doubt that the establishment of the Jewish state and its successes have made a significant contribution to freeing the Vatican from dogmas and prejudices about Jews and Judaism.

Up until a generation or two ago, the term Israel was a borrowed metaphor for the Church (Pope Paul VI deliberately refrained from uttering the words "State of Israel" during his one-day visit in 1964), while today, the Pope is conducting a state visit to the Jewish state replete with very symbol of pomp and protocol. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians are nurturing great expectations -- thought it is doubtful that all of them will be met ... And even if not all the expectations are met, the influence of his visit -- both religious and political -- will continue to make itself felt long after his momentous trip to the Holy Land.

-- Haaretz, Jerusalem