(ANS - Rome)- The Pope's Apostolic Journey to the Holy Land ended a week ago, but many gestures and words of his visit are likely to remain etched in the collective memory of the faithful of all religions and even those who do not believe.

The Pope's visit took place 50 years after the historic meeting in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople. But this was more than just a protocol visit, commemorating an event of the past.

In just three days, there were many significant moments the Pope shared with the religious and political authorities of those lands, but also with refugees, the disabled and those who are often seen as the least in society.

For a comprehensive report on the Pope's trip and its profound meaning, we are publishing today in the section  ANS Service a study by Fr John Caputa, a Salesian priest of the Middle East Province.

Published 02/06/2014