Press release: Benedict XVI
Lucerne, March 12 – Pope Benedict XVI has announced a visit on May 13 to the Caritas Baby Hospital, administered by Children’s Relief Bethlehem. He will be accompanied by the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmud Abbas. The visit acknowledges the work of the only children’s hospital in Palestine whose doors are open to all children regardless of religion, nationality or social origin. “The visit will also draw attention to the predicament of the children and mothers who have suffered so acutely, and for so many years, due to the Middle East conflict,” says Michael Schweiger, President of Children’s Relief Bethlehem. “It is a gratifying recognition of our efforts in Bethlehem for almost 60 years.”
Pope Benedict officially announced his May 8–15 visit to the Holy Land on Sunday. He will visit the natal city of Jesus on May 13, where in the afternoon he will stop at the Caritas Baby Hospital in the company of Mr. Abbas. After inspecting a hospital ward, Pope Benedict will briefly retire to the hospital’s chapel for prayer.
Through the Caritas Baby Hospital, the Children’s Relief Bethlehem provides basic health care for children and mothers mainly in the regions of Bethlehem and Hebron. More than 30,000 children receive ambulatory or stationary treatment each year. Thanks to a number of large donations, including one from the Pope, it was possible to begin construction of a new out-patient clinic in 2008. Children’s Relief Bethlehem is headquartered in Switzerland, and has offices in Germany, Italy and Austria.
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