Israel’s postal service issues stamps of Christian holy sites ahead of pope visit

September 30th, 2009 New postage stamps highlight the kelp forestWASHINGTON — The post office is taking a dive for its latest postage stamps. A set of stamps depicting plants and animals that live in the ocean's kelp forest will be released Thursday in underwater ceremonies at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.

August 12th, 2009 Postal Service planning discounts for big mailersWASHINGTON — Looking for ways to boost business, the Postal Service is planning to offer discounts to some of its best customers. Companies that mailed at least 500,000 first-class letters, cards or large envelopes between Oct.

August 6th, 2009 US Postal Service proposes cockfighting ad banLITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The U.S.

May 14th, 2009 Pope brings his Holy Land pilgrimage to NazarethNAZARETH, Israel — Thousands of pilgrims from around the world are on hand to greet Pope Benedict XVI in Jesus' childhood hometown of Nazareth, where he will celebrate the largest Mass of his five-day visit to the Holy Land. Thursday's Mass is being celebrated on Mount Precipice, where Christian tradition says a mob tried to throw Jesus off a cliff.

May 13th, 2009 Pope visit to highlight Palestinian sufferingBETHLEHEM, West Bank — Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Jesus' traditional birthplace for a one-day visit Palestinians hope will draw attention to their suffering under Israeli military rule. The pontiff's motorcade drove through a crossing in Israel's towering West Bank separation barrier Wednesday to reach the cradle of Christianity.

May 11th, 2009 Pope calls mosque visit highlight of Jordan tripAMMAN, Jordan — Pope Benedict XVI urged Christians and Muslims on Monday to work toward religious tolerance and said his visit to a Jordan's largest mosque was one of the highlights so far of his first Middle East pilgrimage. During a red-carpet farewell ceremony at Amman's international airport, the pope also praised Jordan's King Abdullah II for his treatment of the desert country's tiny Christian minority.

May 11th, 2009 Pope calls for Palestinian state in IsraelTEL AVIV, Israel — Pope Benedict XVI has called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, immediately plunging into Middle East politics upon his arrival in Israel. That position could put him at odds with his Israeli hosts.

May 11th, 2009 Peel 'em and weep: First-class stamps rise 2 centsWASHINGTON — The post office wants two more pennies for your thoughts. The price of a first-class stamp for mailing a letter — or paying a bill — climbed to 44 cents Monday, though folks who planned ahead and stocked up on Forever stamps will still be paying the lower rate.

May 11th, 2009 Pope arrives in Israel for 5-day visitTEL AVIV, Israel — Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Israel on an emotion-charged visit to the Holy Land hoping to improve relations with Jews and Muslims. Benedict landed at Israel's international airport in Tel Aviv on Monday after spending three days in neighboring Jordan.

May 10th, 2009 Pope celebrates mass in sports stadium in JordanAMMAN, Jordan — Pope Benedict XVI is celebrating an open air mass in a sports stadium in the Jordanian capital. Catholics from across the Middle East are attending the service.

May 10th, 2009 Israel hopes for tourism, image boost from popeJERUSALEM — Israeli officials are hoping that the visit of Pope Benedict XVI will boost tourism, improve Israel's image and bolster relations between the Jewish state and the Vatican. Benedict was starting a five-day trip to the Holy Land on Monday, visiting sites in Israel and the West Bank and celebrating Mass in three locations — Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem.

May 6th, 2009 Mega security planned for pope's Israel visitJERUSALEM — Israel will deploy 80,000 security officers as part of "Operation White Cloak" — protecting Pope Benedict XVI when he visits the Holy Land next week, police said Wednesday. The pontiff will visit Israel and the West Bank during his five-day tour that begins Monday.

May 3rd, 2009 Pope hopes Holy Land trip will promote peaceVATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI says he hopes his upcoming trip to the Holy Land will give encouragement to Christians there and also promote peace and reconciliation between Israel and the Palestinians. Benedict says he is urging particular prayers for the Palestinians, whom he says have endured "great hardship and suffering." Benedict travels to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories May 8-15.

May 2nd, 2009 Pope: I go to Holy Land as 'pilgrim of peace'VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI said Saturday that he is going to the Holy Land next week as a pilgrim of peace in a region marked by injustice, mistrust and fear. Benedict's eight-day pilgrimage, which begins Friday, will take him to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

February 14th, 2009 JERUSALEM - Pope Benedict XVI will pay an official visit to Israel in May this year, outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced Sunday. 'The entire Israeli government welcomes the visit,' Olmert's spokesman Mark Regev said.