Amman, Jordan - Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Jordan Friday for a four-day visit at the start of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land that also involves stops in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Upon his arrival aboard an Alitalia airliner at Queen Alia International Airport, he was accorded a red carpet welcome that was led by Jordan's King Abdullah II, Queen Rania, senior officials, a number of prominent Christian religious leaders in the region and Muslim scholars.
The pontiff was greeted by a 21-gun salute before he and King Abdullah proceeded to a stand where the Vatican and Jordanian anthems were played.