VATICAN (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II apparently will not accept an invitation from Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to visit Jericho. But he will make a short, quiet visit to a site near the ancient town-- the reputed site of Christ's baptism.
Although the Holy See has not officially confirmed the plans, informed sources indicate that the Pontiff will travel on Wednesday, March 22, to Al-Maghtas, near the Jordanian border. That is one of two sites which pose rival claims to be the spot where Jesus was baptized by St. John the Baptist. (Christians in Jordan lay claim to a different site nearby, visit Wadi Al-Kharrar, as the spot of the baptism.)
The Pope's visit will be brief, and publicity will be kept at a minimum, because of security concerns. The area surrounding Jericho has been troubled by tensions since the killing of Muslim worshipers by a Jewish fanatic there. The Pope will apparently not actually enter Jericho; officials have decided that such an appearance would have unavoidably strong and controversial political repercussions.
Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update