Pope arrives in Palestine

Flying by helicopter from Amman, Pope Francis arrived in Bethlehem. From the helicopter port, he went straight to the Presidential Palace where he was received by President Abbas. In his address, the Pope called again for peace between Israel and Palestine and mutual recognition of two states. He referred explicitly to the relations between the Holy See and the State of Palestine.

After the official reception, he went by Popemobile to Nativity Square, stopping at the Wall that divides Bethlehem. In the Square he was greeted by the cheering crowds numbering over ten thousand. In the crowds, were also delegations from all the Hebrew speaking kehillot in Israel and the communities of migrant workers and asylum seekers.

In the afternoon the Pope was due to visit a center in the Deheisheh refugee camp and meet tens of children there.