( CNN ) -- Pope Francis announced Sunday his first trip as pontiff to the Holy Land in May . Speaking during his weekly Sunday blessing in Vatican City , he said he will visit Jerusalem , Bethlehem in the West Bank and the Jordanian capital , Amman . The visit will take place May 24-26 . `` In the climate of joy , typical of this Christmas season , I wish to announce that from 24 to 26 May next , God willing , I will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land , '' the pope told crowds gathered in St. Peter 's Square . `` At the Holy Sepulchre we will celebrate an Ecumenical Meeting with all the representatives of the Christian Churches of Jerusalem , together with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople . '' His announcement was posted on the Vatican Radio website . `` As of now I ask you to pray for this pilgrimage , '' the Pope said . January 5 marks the 50th anniversary of a historic meeting in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and the then-spiritual leader of the world 's Orthodox Christians Patriarch Athenagoras . Sunday 's announcement was made just as the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry wrapped talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in a new bid for peace . Kerry said earlier he was making progress in Middle East peace talks , stressing the Obama administration `` is committed to putting forward ideas that are fair , that are balanced , and that improve the security of all of the people of this region . '' Pope Francis leaves New Year 's voice mail for nuns in Spain .
Pope Francis to travel to Middle East May 24 - 26 . Pope to visit Jerusalem , Bethlehem and Amman . Sunday 's announcement of 25 years since significant meeting in Jerusalem .