The Pope’s three-day visit to Jordan and the Holy Land was under threat of being overshadowed by fears for his safety as he prepared to begin his programme in Amman.

In keeping with his determination to meet ordinary people, the Jesuit Pope has refused to travel in bullet-proof vehicles during the visit to Amman, Bethlehem and Jerusalem and will instead be driven through the crowds in an open-top jeep without protection.

“Pope Francis will arrive at Amman’s international stadium and Bethlehem’s Manger Square in an open-roof jeep, without any bullet-proofing,” said the Rev Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman. [Link]