From 8 to 15 May 2009 Pope Benedict XVI went to Jerusalem to undertake a journey of peace and dialogue.
To celebrate this historic pilgrimage, the Catholics officers of the Holy Land thought about the coinage of a commemorative medal and Archbishop Raphael Minassian entrusted the design of this medal to the architect Fabrizio Viola.
The medal, minted in solid gold, was presented to Pope Benedict XVI by Monsignor Twal during his stay in the Holy Land. The commemorative gift was appreciated by the Pontiff. The dignitaries and cardinals were instead given the silver coin.
