Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon has invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit the Holy Land, in another sign of warming ties between the Jewish state and the Holy See.
Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict's predecessor, visited a synagogue in Rome in 1986 and later apologized for centuries of Christian persecution against the Jews during his landmark visit to the Holy Land in 2000.
"We believe that Pope Benedict will continue the path forged by John Paul II in strengthening these ties," said an Israeli spokeswoman. – Michele Green, ENI
