Lebanon - Preparations for papal visit

T/I 10:40:36 Pope John Paul II will make the first papal visit to the Middle East since 1964 this weekend when he arrives in Lebanon, home to the region's most important Catholic community. He has put healing and reconciliation at the top of his agenda. From Sunni Muslims to Greek Orthodox Christians, many Lebanese are looking to Roman Catholic Pope John Paul II's upcoming visit as a chance to heal civil war era wounds. SHOWS: LEBANON, RECENT + FILE HARISA, NORTH OF BEIRUT, 28/4/1997 WS pan across driveway to show residence; MS Embassy of Vatican in Harisa, North Beirut; Vatican insignia; ZOUK AREA, NORTH OF BEIRUT, 27/2/94 WS exterior church in Zouk, North of Beirut; File of aftermath of explosion on February 27 1994; Lebanese army troops at scene; Interior church; Cu damage inside; Blood on floor; Long shot of church; BKERKE, NORTH OF BEIRUT, 25/4/97 Exterior residence of Patriachate in Bkerke, North of Beirut; Interior bedroom where pope will sleep; Maronite Cardinal Nasrallah Sfeir, of Lebanon's largest Christian community in English "This visit is very important because before he had decide to come but it was not possible because there was a church explosion. And his visit, it is important to split it really, socially, and I dare say politically." BEIRUT, 28/4/1997 WS street scene in Beirut; Vs street scenes; Vox Pop man "I hope that the Pope will bring the peace to Lebanon, yes." Vox pop woman "Bring peace to Lebabon." Vox Pop man "I expect the Pope's visit to be very peaceful and to make eveybody understand that we are in a country where we have to grow up together and work for the future of this country." BEIRUT, 25/4/97 Young girl holding a toddler with a balloon with the Pope's face on it; CU Pope on a mug; T-shirts etc; CU Pope badges; WS souvenier shop with people holding up their wares. Runs 2.40 You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/b66d2cfdf18a55b17395363613892da8 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork