Pope greeted by world youth in Germany

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in his native 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.

On arriving in Cologne, he referred to Germany as his “beloved homeland” in remarks prepared for delivery after arrival, and stressed his meetings with those of other faiths during the four-day trip.

“These meetings are important steps along the journey of dialogue and cooperation in our shared commitment to building a more just and fraternal future, a future which is truly more human,” Benedict said.

It was a subdued arrival compared to some of the greetings received by charismatic predecessor John Paul II. Benedict skipped John Paul’s trademark habit kissing the ground, and only a few hundred enthusiastic admirers were brought to the airport.

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. As many as a million people are expected for an open-air Mass by Benedict on Sunday.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and President Horst Koehler greeted him on the red carpet as he descended from the plane, which had German and Vatican flags hanging from the cockpit windows.

Pilgrims watching on a big television screen on the square in front of Cologne’s famed cathedral erupted in cheers and shouts of: “Benedict! Benedict!”