Swastika protest heralds papal visit

An Israeli policeman views some of the vandalism

Suspected Jewish extremists in Jerusalem have vandalised a helicopter pad to be used by Pope John Paul II on the eve of his historic tour of Middle East holy sites.

Landing lights were smashed, the Vatican flag defaced and Nazi swastika symbols painted on the spot where the Pope will land on Tuesday during a week-long pilgrimage to Christianity's most sacred places.

An Israeli Government spokesman said the vandalism was a marginal act that would not disrupt the Pope's trip.

The graffiti on the helipad reads: Pope out

But the security operation for the visit is being described as the biggest Israel has ever organised for a foreign dignitary.

Extremist groups in Israel have expressed opposition to the visit and called for demonstrations while it is taking place.

Correspondents say some Israelis still resent the Vatican for its alleged lack of support for Jews persecuted by the Nazis during World War II.

Religious visit

The Pope last week apologised for persecution of Jews by Christians in the past, and has made a number of statements promoting reconciliation between the two faiths.

There have been protests in Israel ahead of the visit

He insisted again on Sunday that his trip to the Holy Land is strictly religious, and called for prayers for the visit.

Speaking to 40,000 pilgrims in St Peter's Square, he asked Catholics around the world to pray for the success of what he called "an apostolic voyage so rich in significance".

His will be the first papal visit to the troubled region since 1964, fulfilling a dream of his 21 years as leader of the world's one billion Roman Catholics.