AMMAN, Jordan, March 20 —  Pope John Paul began his historic pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Monday, declaring that resolving injustices and human rights issues are a prerequisite for Middle East peace. “In this area of the world there are
grave and urgent issues of justice, of the rights of people and nations, which have to be resolved,” the pontiff said in Jordan, where he began his week-long visit to the region.

“NO MATTER how difficult, no matter how long, the process of seeking peace must continue,” he said during a welcoming ceremony with King Abdullah inside a huge tent at the airport. “Without peace, there can be no authentic development for the region, no better life for its peoples, no brighter future for its children.”
 
The 79-year-old pontiff touched and blessed a bowl of Jordanian earth after descending the aircraft steps but did not kiss the soil as he once did on his foreign trips.
 
Despite being stooped and looking frail from a host of ailments, he walked unaided and spoke firmly. Jordanian soldiers fired a 21-gun salute under blue skies as he arrived.

Full Story: http://www.msnbc.com/news/383978.asp?cp1=1

Mitch Battros
Producer - Earth Changes TV
http://www.earthchangesTV.com