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Israel to Benedict: Leave Popemobile at home

April 26, 2009

ROME (JTA) -- Israeli officials reportedly are concerned that security and other infrastructure for Pope Benedict XVI's trip are not yet in place.

The Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported Sunday that Israeli security forces do not want the pope to use his partially open "Popemobile" when visiting Nazareth May 14. Palestinians mark May 14, the date on the Gregorian calendar of the founding of Israel, as the "nakba," or catastrophe.

Pamphlets in Arab towns have called for protests against the pope.

Benedict is due to visit Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority May 8-15, arriving in Israel on May 11. A multilingual Israel Web site is promoting the trip as "A Bridge for Peace."

 

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