Pope Benedict XVI: Holy Land: May 15, 2009

Today, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI spent the final day of his trip to the Holy Land in Jerusalem. His Holiness has made visits to the Greek Orthodox patriarchate Theophilus III, the Armenian patriarchal church of St. James, and the Holy Sepulchre basilica.

Visit to the Greek Orthodox Partiarchate Theophilus III:

Pope Benedict XVI presents a gift to Theophilus III on the final day of his visit to the Holy Land (AFP/POOL/Heidi Levine).

Visit to the Holy Sepulchre Basilica:

Pope Benedict XVI prays before the place on which our Lord died on the Cross on Mt. Calvary, the most sacred of sites (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho).

The Holy Father prays before the site on which our Lord Jesus Christ was buried (REUTERS/Osservatore Romano).

Pope Benedict XVI prepares to kiss the Stone of the Anointing, where the body of our Lord Jesus Christ was washed following his crucifixion (AFP/Alberto Pizzoli).

The Holy Father's words on the Empty Tomb during this Eastertide are quite worth of meditation.

Departure Ceremony:

Pope Benedict XVI shakes hands with Israeli President Shimon Peres during a departure ceremony at the conclusion of his Holy Land 2009 visit (AFP/Jonathan Nackstrand).

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