May I thank the authors for the well balanced report.It shows the profound deep understandings of the workings of the 'Holy See'.John Paul II would have been a 'Nobody', without Josef Ratzinger.While the rest of the Israeli Press is still spreading 'Hatred',you have hit issues spot on. Love others and they'll reciprocate. Benedictus qui venit in nomine domini

a well balanced report without hate - just, rational- this past days have been an eye opener for many people. Israeli press in general - and the writers in this paper have a ways to go to produce well research neutral articles. There has been more emotion than facts- unfortunately.

The Bible verse you quote is a messianic one - misapplied to this horrible idolator who by the way was not only in the Hitlerjugend but volunteered for the German nazi army toward the end of the war and may have murdered allies. He is a horrible impostor despised by Jews and Christians (but not by liberal journos and academos)

As long as he will pretend that Israel has a responsibilty for the war with Arabs, he is not welcome. The Catholic Church defamed Jews for centuries and has now find a new grief: Jews are "peace" (e.g. Christ) killers.

All issues surrounding Pius XII are assumptions,speculation and what have you.The only real answers are in the archives of the Vatican.Till such time, these are opened, we all are none the wiser.To expect Benedict XVI to apologize is absolutely ludicrous.He is in no position to do so and criticise one of his predecessors.He's gone as far as he safely can.The only people who don't know that are the Rabbis.They are very bad hosts,he had a marvellous Welcome from the islamic faith in Jordan.An apology to Judaism won't happen in the next 2000 years, it just can't happen by Vatican doctrines. Remember, you've heard it here first. Shalom

We have prepared a special breakfast treat in your honour..it is named after you:Eggs Benedict,although I suspect it may not be kosher.

The same as with the hitlerjugend : it was compulsory

Finally an article not to be ashamed of! Upright thanks for your endeavor to do justice to a prominent pilgrim who is such a humble servant of God and a great Biblical scholar as well as true intercessor, praying for so many. Of course, he represents a church which has a long and also problematic tradition. Yet few seem to know that the churches worldwide experience a crisis of faith today which can only be understood as a fulfilment of the prophets' speraking of apostasy at the end of this age. J. Ratzinger alias Benedikt knows all too well why he seeks the roots of the Christian faith and what a visit to Israel in such a time as this means -for himself and all who are spiritually entrusted to him.

honest around here.

I remember in years past, the Ynet opinon pieces talked a lot about the "Palestinian" issues, Hezbollah, etc. There was even a columnist of "Palestinian" heritage the commenters loved to insult. Before that, there were probably pieces on Saddam and his SCUDS. Lately all the opinion articles rant on the USA and Christians, and even before Obama's election. Just like the rest of the world, Israel has replaced their real enemy with the USA and those evil Christians.

YOU are the one who is WRONG. This writer for once did research and presented facts- in a neutral way- as opposed to most of the writers on Ynet who wrote what their readers wanted to hear: rumors, hearsay, lies, untruths... Kelvin, a 14 year old did not volunteer for the Hitlerjugend- he was forced to join, or his parents would be punished... you don't know what you are talking about. You are just repeating some old lie- I followed this entire 'production'- it was a pathetic display of hate, lies, disrespect, insults.... and there is no excuse. The Pope was invited by the government, the hate propaganda was a disgrace, unworthy of a modern country- it was mud slinging. Williamson was NOT reinstated for being an Anti.semite, he is now defrocked, persona non grata- did you want the Pope to have him killed? There is NO prayer for the conversion of Jews (not for the past 40 years) Christians are NOT taught anti-semitism, neither in church nor in public schools.. etc. etc. etc. have we forgotten something? Anyway: Kelvin, and your likes, go do some reading before you spread lies.....ever heard of the Ten Commandments?

I congratulate you for the text above. But I do regret some radical and offensive messages from some readers. We, true Christians and Catholics, defend Israelian rights and repudiate, very much, the terrible Holocaust. Then, those messages hurt us deeply. But God is great, and reconciliation between our religions will be complete. Peace upon you. Luiz Haddad, Brazil.

As such he behaves like one. He lies! His actions do not match the words.

Today, we all live in a global village. the truth is, is that by the Pope coming to Israel (and even Yad Vashem) showes us that he is a friend of the Jewish people. In truth (Israel being a place where there is freedom of religion) the pope could of come to Israel saying he just wants to see Jerusalem, and the sea of Gallia... with no refrence to anything Israeli, however the Pope came as a friend, spoke as a friend, and i do belive, that as a leader of a billion christians, im happy this man is a friend. Yes his past is crazy - a Pope that as a child beloged to the Nazi youth movement, but it is not his fault that he was born in the 30's, in Germany while hitler took hold of Europe. The Pope is a man of peace, and he is welcome in Israel anytime he wants to come and visit the land where Jesus walked, for it is his choice and freedom to do so. Pope, Thank you for coming, but even more... thank you for showing appreciation for us having you. Goodluck and G-D bless