The pope would deliver "a very clear message" to the leaders and their people about the importance of trying different methods to achieve peace, Wadie Abunassar told journalists during a briefing at the Latin Patriarchate.

The pope is scheduled to meet with King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan in Amman on May 8, President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem on May 11, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on May 13, and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Nazareth on May 14. In addition, the pope will meet with spiritual leaders from various religions, including Chief Rabbis of Israel Shlomo Amar and Yona Metzger, and Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, to promote interfaith dialogue.

The pope will also meet in Jerusalem with a number of representatives from organizations that promote interfaith dialogue, where he is expected to deliver a message "not only of encouragement, but a real push to hold more activities to strengthen their presence in society," Abunassar said.

He is also scheduled to speak with religious leaders in Nazareth, a meeting that is likely to be followed up by councils for interreligious dialogue in Rome. In addition, the pope will visit the Armenian and Greek Orthodox patriarchates. At the latter, he will meet with heads of various churches to promote ecumenical dialogue.