Israel has made extensive preparations for the visit next week of Pope Francis, including issuing restraining orders against “a number of right-wing activists” who security officials believed were likely to cause “disruptions during the pope’s visit and be involved in provocative illegal acts.” The move follows a string of so-called ‘price-tag’ vandalism attacks against Christian sites in and around Jerusalem in recent days. Despite the graffiti, the Notre Dame Center near the Damascus Gate to the Old City of Jerusalem will be the venue for the Pope’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry announced this week that it was spending NIS 10 million on marketing initiatives and infrastructure projects in order to take advantage of the Papal visit to enhance Israel’s image as a good destination for Christian pilgrims and tourists. Read More
