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CNN Sunday Morning

Pope to Make First-Ever Visit to Islamic Place of Worship

Aired May 06, 2001 - 09:33   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Pope John Paul II plans a first ever papal visit to an Islamic place of worship today in Syria. He made history yesterday as the first pontiff to set foot on Syrian soil. His real mission is a personal pilgrimage though. But it's turned into a mission of peace.

CNN's Brent Sadler reports from Damascus.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Modern day Damascus, the city of an ancient and epic biblical event. Pope John Paul II commemorated the conversion of Saint Paul to Christianity 2,000 years ago, riding, if not walking, in the footsteps of the apostle.

The pope came to celebrate holy mass in the eastern sector of the city, a neighborhood that was once predominantly Christian but is home today to both Christian and Muslim families, a suitable venue for the pope's attempt to bring together major religions, especially Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

But the pope's efforts have been mired in controversy in the wake of a world giving speech Saturday by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian authorities have used the visit as a platform to launch verbal attacks on Jewish practices past and present.

Syrian reference to the persecution of Jesus Christ by first century Jews drew a sharp Israeli response. Vatican officials here insist the pope is a guest of Syria and will not react to what the Syrians are saying. But at the same time, the pope is keying to highlight the need for respect of international ethics.

JOAQUIN NAVARRO-VALLS, VATICAN SPOKESMAN (through translator): Avoiding taking land by force, obeying the resolution of the United Nations et cetera, which are points that could be -- can be said anywhere in the world but especially in this part of the world.

SADLER: And it's in this part of the world that peace appears as illusive as ever. The pope urgently calling for understanding, respect and peace among Christians, Muslims and Jews in the Middle East.

(on camera): The Pope's call for peace may be hear loudest on the Golan Heights Monday when he visits the Syrian side of the Israeli occupied strategic territory. Its future controls a pivotal element in regional peacemaking.

Brent Sadler, CNN, Damascus.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: And the pope will remain in Syria until Tuesday then he leaves for Malta. You may follow the Pope's journey on our Web site, CNN.com; AOL keyword, CNN.

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