at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport May 11, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI (front row, 3rd R) stands with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (front row, 2nd L) and Israel's President Shimon Peres (front row, 2nd R) during a welcoming ceremony on his behalf upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.

REUTERS/Darren Whiteside