Today, the Pope met with Israel’s President Ezer Weizman and Mrs. Weizman at the Presidential Palace. Their initial meeting was held privately and followed by a public meeting with various dignitaries attending.

Some see the meeting between the Pope and Weizman as the most important event because it would be "a recognition of the transformation of the Catholic Church's attitude toward the Jewish people in the land of Israel."

In welcoming the Holy Father, President Weizman said, "through your character and your witness you unite people."

The Pope replied to President Weizman, thanking him and then went on to comment, "We both bring long histories and this is why we must be determined to work for a new era of reconciliation and peace between Jews and Christians. It is my dream that the Catholic Church will do everything possible and may it not be just a dream, but a reality."