Pope arrives in Germany

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Germany today for his first foreign trip as Pope, a journey that will emphasise outreach to Jews and Muslims and evangelising a Europe that has drifted from its Christian heritage.

Benedict’s Alitalia jetliner touched down at Cologne-Bonn airport to cheers from pilgrims gathered for World Youth Day, the Roman Catholic Church youth festival.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and President Horst Koehler waited on the red carpet.