Pope in the Middle East - Pope Benedict XVI in the Holy Land Bethlehem and Jerusalem The place of Jesus birth

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas welcoming Pope Benedict XVI in the airport of West Bank city of Bethlehem
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, right, and Christian leaders welcomed Pope Benedict XVI upon his arrival in the West Bank city of Bethlehem


Pope Benedict XVI at grotto at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Pope Benedict XVI visits the grotto, where Christians believe the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, at the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem


People and pilgrims celebrating the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI, a man with Palestinian flag
Pilgrims at a Mass by Pope Benedict XVI at Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem


Pope Benedict XVI at Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem celebration event

Pope Benedict XVI is given a helping hand to adjust his skullcap as he celebrates Mass at Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem


Pope Benedict XVI speaking to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal inside the Pope mobile car
Pope Benedict XVI speaks to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal inside the Pope mobile