Pope Benedict XVI praised Sunday the courage of Middle East Christians who cling to their faith desp

(10 May 2009) HEADLINE: Pope praises Mideast Christians for persevering CAPTION: Pope Benedict XVI praised Sunday the courage of Middle East Christians who cling to their faith despite war and adversity, addressing a crowd of 20,000 who filled a sports stadium where he celebrated the first open-air Mass of his Holy Land pilgrimage. (May 10) [Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] STORYLINE Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday urged Christians in the Middle East to persevere in their faith despite hardships threatening the existence of their ancient communities. An estimated 20,000 people filled a sports stadium in the Jordanian capital Amman as Benedict celebrated the first open-air Mass of his Middle East pilgrimage. "The Catholic community here is deeply touched by the difficulties and uncertainties which affect the people of the Middle East," Benedict said, speaking in English. "May you never forget the great dignity which derives from your Christian heritage, or fail to sense the loving solidarity of all your brothers and sisters in the church throughout the world," he added. Catholics from across the Middle East attended the service. Many held up flags from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and other countries. They applauded the pope's words and shouted out his name. The Mass was on the third day of Benedict's week-long pilgrimage to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. He heads to Israel on Monday. Hundreds of children received their first communion at the Sunday Mass. The Pontiff then delivered his traditional Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven), the prayer that substitutes the Angelus from Easter to the Pentecost. In the afternoon, Benedict was scheduled to travel some 30 miles (50 kilometres) from Amman to Bethany beyond the Jordan river, the site of Christ's baptism. He will also bless the foundation stones of Latin and Greek Melkite churches. STORY NUMBER: 605701 DATELINE: Amman - 10 May 2009 LENGTH: 04:04 SHOTLIST 1. Wide of crowd in stadium 2. Wide of popemobile entering stadium 3. Mid of popemobile driving inside stadium 4. Wide of crowd 5. Close Benedict XVI waving from popemobile 6. Zoom out from cross being carried in procession to altar 7. Benedict in procession, blessing people 8. Pan of crowd 9. Side of Benedict blessing people 10. Zoom out of crowd 11. SOUNDBITE (English) Pope Benedict XVI: "The Catholic community here is deeply touched by the difficulties and uncertainties which affect the people of the Middle East. May you never forget the greatdignity which derives from your Christian heritage, or fail to sense the loving solidarity of all your brothers and sisters in the church throughout the world." 12. Wide of crowd 13. Pope spreading incense 14. Side of pope spreading incense, zoom out 15. Pope walking, spreading incense 16. Children 17. Various of pope giving communion 18. SOUNDBITE (English) Pope Benedict XVI: "During the mass, I spoke about the prophetic charisma of women as bearers of love, teachers of mercy and artisans of peace, so the prime example of womanly virtue is the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of mercy and queen of peace." 19. Pope saying the "Regina Coeli" AUDIO: Regina Coeli 20. Various pans of crowd AUDIO: Regina Coeli 21. Various of pope leaving AUDIO: Music ___ ___, The Associated Press. (****END****) ANCHOR VOICE: Tricia Thomas ------------------------- VIDEO PRODUCER: ------------------------------ VIDEO SOURCE: AP -------------------------- VIDEO APPROVAL: Matt Friedman ------------------------------ VIDEO RESTRICTIONS: ---------------------------------- Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...