Pope enters minefield of Mideast politics

JERUSALEM — The question of whether Pope Benedict XVI would dare enter the minefield of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was answered within minutes of him touching down in Tel Aviv. He indeed dared, calling for a Palestinian homeland. Not using the political phrase “two-state solution” — he’s a pilgrim not a politician — but saying “a homeland of their own, within secure and internationally recognised borders.” Welcome news to Palestinian Christians, but they’re a tiny minority. Many Palestinians wonder what difference a spiritual leader can make if leaders of the United States and much of the international community haven’t managed to accomplish much yet. read more here.