Pope Francis announces first visit to Holy Land, May 24-26

Pope Francis. AP FILE PHOTO

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said Sunday he will make his first trip to the Holy Land, visiting Amman, Bethlehem and Jerusalem from May 24 to 26.

“In the climate of joy typical of this Christmas period, I would like to announce that from May 24 to 26, God willing, I will carry out a pilgrimage to the Holy Land,” Francis told crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the traditional Angelus prayer.