May 8, 2009. Aboard the airplane on his way to Jordan, Benedict XVI told reporters that, though his trip revolved largely around fostering positive inter-religious dialogue, the Church is not a political force, but a spiritual one.

The pope stressed that his trip was not personal but that he was going to the Holy Land with a message from the Church as a whole.

Citing the exodus of Christians from the Middle East, Benedict invited Christians to remain there because they are an integral part of the region-s culture and history.

RSS