WEST BANK/ISRAEL: Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch arrives in Bethlehem for Christmas mass

Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch wished on Sunday (December 24) for a brighter future for Israelis and Palestinians upon his departure from Jerusalem to lead Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. "We believe that Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and this peace must be done together by Israelis and Palestinians. We hope that the our political leaders will help both sides to contribute in collaborating building this impossible peace" Latin Patriarch Michelle Sabbah said as he departed the Latin patriarchate in Jerusalem's Old City. Sabbah crossed the West Bank separation barrier en route to Bethlehem to lead Christmas celebrations and prayers in the biblical town, revered as the birthplace of Jesus. Hopes of a rush of pilgrims lifted the mood a little in Bethlehem as the town prepared for Christmas Eve when the Patriarch Sabbah would conduct the traditional midnight mass. Christmas celebrations have been muted since a Palestinian uprising began in 2000, but a first formal meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Saturday night (December 23) has encouraged the spirit of Bethlehem residents. Israel's army has eased restrictions on visitors to allow visits by foreign Christians as well as Palestinian Christians living alongside the Muslim majority.

ITN Source | December 24, 2006

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