Pope visits the Haram al-Sharif and the Kotel

The Pope was welcomed to the Esplanade of the Mosques by the Muslim religious authorities. After visiting the Dome of the Rock, the delegations convened in a reception hall for the speeches of the authorities and the Pope. After that he went to the Western Wall, where he was welcomed by the rabbi of the Wall. The history of the place was explained to the Pope and Rabbi Rabinowitz addressed the Pope. Thereafter, the Pope placed a note in the Wall and stayed there for some moments of prayer. When he had completed his prayer, he embraced his two friends from Argentina, Rabbi Abraham Skorka and Professor Omar Abboud.