By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
When Pope Benedict XVI makes his apostolic visit to Israel on Monday, he will be surrounded by thousands of security forces.
According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, more than 80,000 security personnel will keep the Pope secure when he arrives in Israel. The security operation, code-named Operation White Cape, will consist of 60,000 police officers and 20,000 other security personnel who will take part in arrangements surrounding the visit, with at least five to six thousand officers involved every day.
Police Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld has described the operation as one of the largest in recent years.
In addition, undercover agents will be activated alongside Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) agents, and the Border Police will also be called upon to help secure the visit.
“We have practiced a range of scenarios, from the small scale to the large, and will hold daily intelligence assessments. We are fully prepared,” Rosenfeld said Tuesday.
The Pope’s historic journey begins tomorrow when he will arrive in Amman, Jordan where he plans to meet with the Jordian royal family and with prominent Muslim leaders. Later in the day, he will celebrate Vespers with priests, religious, seminarians and ecclesial movements in the Greek-Melkite cathedral of St. George.
On Sunday morning, he will celebrate Mass in the international stadium in Amman and that afternoon will visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, site of the Jesus’ baptism.
The second leg of his journey bring him to Israel and Palestinian territories on Monday where he will hold meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. He will also celebrate mass in Jerusalem, the Israeli city of Nazareth and the Palestinian city of Bethlehem.
On 12 May, Benedict will become the first pope to visit the Dome of the Rock, one of Islam’s holiest sites, located in Jerusalem’s old city. He will also meet the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem.
One of his last visits will be to the Holy Sepulchre Church, located in Jerusalem.
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