In pictures: Pope in Syria

Pope John Paul II's first day on a visit to Syria was marked by an effort to build bridges between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.

The Pope himself appealed for new attitudes of understanding and respect among Christians, Muslims and Jews.

Pope John Paul II described his four-day pilgrimage as an ardent prayer of hope

Syria is a country of diverse faiths and ethnic backgrounds

The pontiff was warmly greeted in Damascus by enthusiastic crowds waving flags

The Pope was still at the airport when Syrian President Bashar al-Assad criticised Israel

The Vatican says the relationship with the Muslim world is of pivotal importance

Syrians hope the visit will improve their country's image

The Pope met Greek Orthodox and Syrian Orthodox patriarchs

The pontiff received a present from Syrian Greek Orthodox Archbishop Agnatios Hazim IV

Pope John Paul II waved from his popemobile as he left a ceremony

The Pope will become the first Roman Catholic Church leader ever to enter a mosque