Pope begins visit to Israel

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Israel today on an emotion-charged visit to the Holy Land hoping to improve relations with Jews and Muslims.

He arrived in Tel Aviv after spending three days in neighbouring Jordan.

Israeli leaders, including President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, gathered at the airport for a welcoming ceremony.

The pope was immediately plunged into Middle East politics.

Speaking at the airport ceremony he called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, which could put him at odds with his Israeli hosts.

The pope also pledged to “honour the memory” of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

The pope has had to tread carefully after coming under sharp criticism from both Muslims and Jews for past statements.

During his five-day visit, the Pope will tour Israel’s national Holocaust memorial and visit holy sites in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

He hopes his week-long trip to the Holy Land, which included three days in neighbouring Jordan, will improve interfaith ties.

The visit has generated some controversy in Israel because the Pope spent time in the Hitler Youth corps when he was young. He claims he was coerced.