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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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In Bethlehem, Pope Calls for Palestinian State

From Bethlehem, Benedict demands Palestinian state

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(Newser) – Pope Benedict decried the suffering in the West Bank and called for an independent Palestinian state today in Bethlehem, the London Times reports. "The Holy See supports the right of your people to a sovereign Palestinian homeland in the land of your forefathers," the pope said, addressing thousands of Christians as well as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The pontiff called for "the international community to bring its influence to bear in favor of a solution.”

“I know how much you have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the turmoil that has afflicted this land for decades," Benedict said. "Have the courage to resist any temptation you may feel to resort to acts of violence or terrorism. Instead, let what you have experienced renew your determination to build peace."

A Palestinian security force officer stands guard as Pope Benedict XVI leads a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
A Palestinian security force officer stands guard as Pope Benedict XVI leads a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, Wednesday, May 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
Pope Benedict XVI leaves a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Wednesday, May 13, 2009. ]
Pope Benedict XVI leaves a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Wednesday, May 13, 2009. ]   (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
Palestinian schoolgirls wave to Pope Benedict XVI as he rides in his Popemobile in Bethlehem, Wednesday, May 13, 2009. The pope is on a five-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
Palestinian schoolgirls wave to Pope Benedict XVI as he rides in his Popemobile in Bethlehem, Wednesday, May 13, 2009. The pope is on a five-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.   (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd as he walks to the Church of the Nativity at the West bank town of Bethlehem Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd as he walks to the Church of the Nativity at the West bank town of Bethlehem Wednesday, May 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, shakes hands with Pope Benedict XVI, center, during a welcoming ceremony, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, shakes hands with Pope Benedict XVI, center, during a welcoming ceremony, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Wednesday, May 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
Pope Benedict XVI gives Palestinian Christians communion at a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Pope Benedict XVI gives Palestinian Christians communion at a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.   (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
Pope Benedict XVI, center, during the Papal mass at the Manger square, next the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
Pope Benedict XVI, center, during the Papal mass at the Manger square, next the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Wednesday, May 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 13, 09 3:50 PM CDT
"The pontiff called for "the international community to bring its influence to bear in favor of a solution.” Interesting that the Pontiff looks to worldly governments to solve the problem instead of his heavenly leader... who is capable of everything. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4 (King James Version) Reply
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