Pope sends envoy, $1.3 million to fund pastoral center in Nazareth

Published: 2006-12-14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI sent a goodwill emissary to the Holy Land along with a donation of more than $1.3 million to finance a new pastoral center in the Israeli town of Nazareth. The funds were collected from German Catholics during the pope's visit to Bavaria in September. Papal envoy Archbishop Paul J. Cordes traveled to the Holy Land Dec. 13-19 to present the papal gift. The German collection, which netted 1 million euros, was earmarked for the Christian community in the Holy Land. The pope decided to apply the entire sum toward construction of the pastoral center, which will be located near the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. The pastoral complex of more than 300,000 square feet will provide lodging facilities, activity spaces for young people and families, areas for religious instruction and meetings, and a sports field. "It will be a true center of life for Christians and a point of reference for pilgrims," said a Vatican announcement.

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