Holy Land is safe to visit, says Cardinal Ruini

Rome, Italy, Apr 21, 2008 / 14:07 pm

Speaking from the Holy Land where he is on pilgrimage, the papal vicar for the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Camilo Ruini, said this week, “The situation is very calm and I can say that anyone who intends to come can do so without any risk.”

 

In an interview with the SIR news agency, Cardinal Ruini said, “This year there are many pilgrims and this means that many people are coming either to venerate the holy shrines or to help the Christians living in this land.  In addition to the Diocese of Rome, which has at least 500 people here, there are many other pilgrimages that we find and that people are making,” he said.

 

“This is the eighth time I have come to the holy places and the second time I have come with people from the Diocese of Rome,” he continued.  “I chose not to make a ‘personal’ pilgrimage but rather visit these places together with many other faithful from my diocese,” the cardinal said.

 

Regarding the peace process between Israel and Palestine, Cardinal Ruini said, “The Catholic Church, esteemed and loved here by all, does everything she can through her prayer, witness and peaceful presence.”