Israel invites papal visit , Rome, Jul. 06 (CWNews.com)

Rome, Jul. 06 (CWNews.com) - The Israeli minister of communication, Dalia Itzik, told a radio audience that she had conveyed the invitation during a private audience with the Pontiff. She reported that the Pope had indicated that Israel would rank high on the list of places to which he might travel.

Itzik told the Israeli radio audience that the Pope spoke very positively about relations with Israel, and indicated that he wished to continue the friendly policies of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II (bio - news).

Israel's ambassador to the Holy See, Oded Ben Hur, who also attended the private audience with Pope Benedict, told reporters that the Pontiff had thanked the Israeli government for the invitation, but indicated that there are other trips already under active consideration.

During their private audience, the Israeli officials presented the Pope with a stamp issued by their government to commemorate the life of Pope John Paul II. The stamp-- which was formally issued on May 18, the deceased Pope's birthday-- depicts John Paul II at the Western Wall of the Temple in Jerusalem.