This unique marathon, an initiativie of the Mnistry of tourism and CSI, the Italian Sports Association, is a fascinating encouter between pilgrims from Italy and other european countries and runners from Bethlehem, East Jerusalem and Israel. the marathon aims to continue the legacy of Pope John Paul II for peace, brotherhood and inter-religious cooperation. About 150 Israeli and Palestinian runners are expected to participate in the festive marathon, alongside about 50 runners from Italy, headed by senior Vatican official Cardinal Josef Clemens - the first delegation of the thousands of pilgrims expected to arrive in Israel as a result of the Papal visit, which begins on 11 May.

The Pope is traveling to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territores as a person of faith, a pilgrimage that is entitiled a Pilgrimage- Bridge for Peace. Four masses are scheduled, one for  Amman, Bethlehem, one in Jerusalem and one in Nazareth. it will be the first Papal mass in Jerusalem since Israel became a state in 1948.

Most pilgrims visit the holy Christian and Jewish sites in Jerusalem, the Galilee and Bethlehem.