Most pilgrims in a decade come to mark Jesus' birth
(AP) - The largest number of pilgrims in a decade gathered in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas, with tens of thousands flocking to the Church of the Nativity for prayers this morning. Israeli military officials, who coordinate movement in and out of the West Bank, said more than 100,000 pilgrims have come to the town since Christmas Eve, compared to about 50,000 last year. Father Juan Maria Solana, from Jerusalem, said the beautiful day was "a good sign of serenity, a good sign of peace." More»