Pope Benedict XVI visit in Israel pin

On Monday the 11th of May 2009, Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Israel, the "land which is held holy by millions of believers around the world"*, for a historic pilgrimage.

The Pontiff described himself as a "pilgrim among pilgrims" who visited and will visit the holy sites in this land. Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem, central sites on the Pope’s pilgrimage itinerary, are among the holiest cities for Christians.

Jerusalem is a sparkling jewel. At its outskirts are Bethlehem and the hallowed Church of the Nativity, Ein Karem, associated with Saint John the Baptist, and Bethany, home of Mary and Martha. The holy places mentioned in the Gospels come to life in Jerusalem, and pilgrims can see and visit them all. For example, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Kidron Valley. Jesus' final path – the Via Dolorosa – is commemorated in the enchanting Old City, as is the site of His Resurrection, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Inside the Old City walls stands the holy Western Wall of the Jewish Temple, yearning for the Heavens. The Old City also houses Muslim shrines, such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Nazareth, the Flower of the Galilee, is the site of The Basilica of Annunciation and its famous Grotto. “And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” (Lk. 1: 30-31)* Nazareth and the surrounding areas are overflowing with churches and archeological excavations related to the boyhood and ministry of Jesus Christ. Just outside Nazareth is Precipice Mountain, where a mob attempted to throw Jesus off the cliff: “And they rose up and put him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong.” (Lk. 4:29) *

This is the pin issued for the pope visit to the presidential residence.

President Shimon Peres, welcomed Pope Benedict XVI.

Size: 1 1/8" on 1 1/8" or 2.8 on 2.8 cm.

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