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Jerusalem Catholic patriarch backs Palestinian state Pilgrims celebrate birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem
(about 7 hours later)
The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem has voiced his support for a Palestinian state during a procession to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal said this Christmas would be a celebration of "the birth of Christ our lord and the birth of the state of Palestine". The day culminated with Christmas Eve Mass at the 1,700-year-old Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where it is believed Jesus was born.
In November the United Nations upgraded the status of the Palestinians to that of a "non-member observer state". In Bethlehem, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem voiced his support for a Palestinian state.
Patriarch Twal is due to lead midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity. Meanwhile in the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI held the traditional Mass at St Peter's Basilica.
The church is seen by Christians as the traditional birthplace of Jesus, and is in an area of the West Bank governed by the Palestinian Authority. The pontiff urged Christians to "find time and room for God in their fast-paced lives".
In June the church was formally named a Unesco World Heritage Site - the first to be nominated by the Palestinians, who were made full members of Unesco earlier this year. He prayed that Israelis and Palestinians be able to live their lives in peace.
The Patriarch, who was born in Jordan, led a symbolic procession from Jerusalem's Old City to Bethlehem, passing through the separation barrier and checkpoint built by the Israelis. The Pope also prayed for peace in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.
World Heritage Site
On Monday, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal said this Christmas would be a celebration of "the birth of Christ our lord and the birth of the state of Palestine".
"The path (to statehood) remains long, and will require a united effort," he said.
The patriarch, who was born in Jordan, led a symbolic procession from Jerusalem's Old City to the West Bank city, passing through the separation barrier and checkpoint built by the Israelis.
He was met at the church in Manger Square by thousands of tourists, pilgrims and clergy.He was met at the church in Manger Square by thousands of tourists, pilgrims and clergy.
In November, the United Nations upgraded the status of the Palestinians to that of a "non-member observer state".
Israel - strongly backed by the US - opposed the move, describing it as Palestinian ploy to bypass stalled peace negotiations.
The Church of Nativity is located in an area of the West Bank governed by the Palestinian Authority.
In June, the church was formally named a Unesco World Heritage Site - the first to be nominated by the Palestinians, who were made full members of Unesco earlier this year.