ROME, FEB 3 (ZENIT).- "When the Pope comes to Israel we will be very enthusiastic and greatly honored. We consider him a great friend," Leah Rabin said, while on a visit to Rome to participate in the opening of the academic year of "La Terza" University of Rome. John Paul II will visit the Holy Land during the last week of March.

    Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's widow emphasized the importance of tolerance for Israel, a country where "three religions have free access: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim." Recalling her meeting with John Paul II after the assassination of her husband, Leah Rabin said: "The Pope, your Pope, gave us, both me and my children, a very special moment. On that occasion, I said that Jerusalem has a double role: political capital of Israel and capital of the three religious confessions. We do not want to deny anyone access to sacred places." ZE00020306