Habemus Papam--"We have a Pope!"
Pope Benedictus XVI just flew over my house in this Blackhawk helicopter!
Jerusalem will have the Pope for five very full days.
Pope Benedict made the 40-minute flight from Amman in a Royal Jordanian airliner, landing at Ben-Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv at 11:00.The official state (i.e. military) welcoming ceremony went perfectly.
The band played the two national anthems.
I must say, I was very moved to see the head of the Catholic Church standing as Hatikva (The Hope) was played, here in the sovereign State of Israel.
We have all come a long way in the last century.
Thank God for progress in Christian-Jewish relations.
Thank God for an independent and strong Jewish state.
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President Peres welcomed His Holiness in Hebrew, English, and even a sentence in Latin.
The Pope made his good speech in English.
Lots of handshakes on the long red carpet.
Finally three helicopters took off for the 20-minute flight to Jerusalem.
However, just over my house the convoy split up.
It was announced that the Pope had asked for an extra little sivuv, wanting to see even more of the Holy City from above.
His entourage and the journalists proceeded directly to Mount Scopus.
On Mt. Scopus the Mayor of Jerusalem and 120 kids of the three faiths welcomed the Pope at 12:30.
Within 15 minutes the Pope was in the super-secure black Audi car, on the way to the Mount of Olives for a short rest at the Vatican Ambassador's place.
Welcome, Pope Baruch. As Mayor Barkat said, make yourself at home, feel at home, here in Jerusalem.
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enjoyed your post...that's a great shot of the helicopter...have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo, Dina. I am a protestant, so I don't know much about this pope. He once said that protestants are heretics and that's a pity. In the Netherlands protestants and catholics attend services in each others churches. In 1963 pope John XXIV died. He was very popular with protestants.
ReplyDeleteEternal photo!
ReplyDeletehabemus papam - very funny!
ReplyDelete(i wrote the cemetery post with you in mind - we happened to go there on 1st of may, and i found the chance to photograph the area without looking too conspicuous!)
How amazing is that? Too bad he needs to be so protected.
ReplyDeleteAn historic moment....
ReplyDeleteand yes, thank God for progress in Christian-Jewish relations and for an independent and strong Jewish state.
We saw him here on the news yesterday, in Jordan. No doubt this evening we will see him in Jerusalem. I don't belong to his particular flock, but it is exciting nonetheless.
You live in such a central hub of the world! Very interesting and great post.
ReplyDeleteHow cool and exciting the Pope's visit must have been for you!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the Pope flying by your house. I enjoyed this post. So well said.
ReplyDeleteWhat a noble post, Dina!!
ReplyDelete"I must say, I was very moved to see the head of the Catholic Church standing as Hatikva (The Hope) was played, here in the sovereign State of Israel. "
WOW, Me too. Thanks for taking us there.
Yes, I'm sure that the Holy Father would feel at home there. What Christian wouldn't feel at home in Jerusalem. Thanks for the great post.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Dina.
ReplyDeleteYou will be able to photograph the Pope or not?
Dina, it's really a good piece of news that you can photograph the Pope. I am out the whole day, but I am looking forward to seeing your images this evening or tomorrow in the morning.
ReplyDeleteAbout the Sacra di San Michele, now the abbey is in the hands of the Rosminian fathers.
How exciting Dina! My heart is beating faster!
ReplyDeleteA really inspiring post. If only there could be a reconciliationa not only between Judaism and Christianity alone, but Islam as well with strict following of the Koran rther than all the differing brutal male interprtations of it, the world would not have so much to worry about.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed Mothers Day.
I've seen a movie about his youth - he seems to be one who wants progress. Is he the first pope to visit Israel? Or has his predecessor also visited your country? Yes, we have come a long way (about time, :) ).
ReplyDeleteAn interesting visit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice welcome from everyone.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I've always wanted to visit Jerusalem and visit the holy sites. I wonder what the cost of shuttling him around like that is!?
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post- thank you! I am following the Pope's trip with great interest, waiting to see how He will be received.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are so wonderful...so rich in colour and vivid in portrayal!
bella :)
I welcom that as well,now if we could just get world peace that would be great
ReplyDelete