Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

In Bethlehem, Pope Calls for Palestinian State

From Bethlehem, Benedict demands Palestinian state

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted May 13, 2009 8:31 AM CDT

(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. (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. ] (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Rival Monks in Broom Brawl at Christ's Birthplace

Annual cleaning ignites tensions

(NEWSER) - Not a very nice birthday present for Jesus: Dozens of rival monks brawled at his birthplace today, as the feuding clergy members were performing an annual cleaning of the holy spot. The Church of the Nativity, built over the site where Jesus is believed to have been born in Bethlehem, was being cleaned ahead of next month’s Orthodox Christmas celebrations when the broom brouhaha broke out. Western Christians had already celebrated Christmas in the church. More»

Christians Usher in Christmas

Pope calls for peace in Syria, pilgrims gather in Bethlehem, and NORAD's phone rings off the hook

(NEWSER) - Pope Benedict called for an end to the violence in Syria and urged Christians to "see through the superficial glitter" as he led the celebration of Christmas in his annual Urbi et Orbi address. "May the Lord bring an end to the violence in Syria, where much blood has already been shed," the pontiff said, calling for "renewed vigor" in the Arab Spring "as they strive to advance the common good." The pope spoke two hours earlier than the normal midnight address, notes the BBC, so as to avoid a late night. Elsewhere on this Christmas day: More»

O Little Town of Bethlehem, Packed With Tourists

Faithful flock to Church of the Nativity

(NEWSER) - There wasn't any room at the inns today as thousands of faithful thronged the streets of Bethlehem to worship at Christ's biblical birthplace. Visitors snapped photos at the 50-foot-tall Christmas tree at Manger Square and received blessings from Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal, the head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, as he walked in a traditional procession from Jerusalem through Bethlehem. The big event is midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity, built over what's believed to be the spot where Jesus was born. Some 90,000 tourists are expected to visit the Holy Land over the holidays. More»

Israel Frees Another 550 Palestinians

Release follows clash at internment compound

(NEWSER) - Israel has set free another 550 Palestinian prisoners, completing the deal that secured the release of captured soldier Gilad Shalit . Thousands gathered at the former home of Yasser Arafat to celebrate alongside Palestinian officials. Most prisoners were directed to the West Bank; some 41 were sent to Gaza, and a handful were released to east Jerusalem and Jordan. The International Red Cross assisted in the operation, Israel said. The process, however, didn't go entirely smoothly, CNN reports. More»

Panetta to Israel: 'Just Get to the Damn Table'

Defense Secretary says military action should be 'last resort, not the first'

(NEWSER) - Leon Panetta delivered a harsh rebuke to Israel yesterday, saying that it needed to take steps to end its increasing isolation in the Middle East—starting with reviving peace talks with the Palestinians. “Just get to the damn table,” Panetta said at a pro-Israel forum in Washington, according to Reuters . “The problem right now is we can’t get ‘em to the damn table, to at least sit down and begin to discuss their differences.” More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

In Bethlehem, Pope Calls for Palestinian State

From Bethlehem, Benedict demands Palestinian state

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Pope Benedict XVI • Palestine • Benjamin Netanyahu • Israel and Palestinians • Bethlehem • Palestinian statehood • Holy Land • two-state solution

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Rival Monks in Broom Brawl at Christ's Birthplace

Annual cleaning ignites tensions

Christians Usher in Christmas

Pope calls for peace in Syria, pilgrims gather in Bethlehem, and NORAD's phone rings off the hook

O Little Town of Bethlehem, Packed With Tourists

Faithful flock to Church of the Nativity

Israel Frees Another 550 Palestinians

Release follows clash at internment compound

Panetta to Israel: 'Just Get to the Damn Table'

Defense Secretary says military action should be 'last resort, not the first'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

In Bethlehem, Pope Calls for Palestinian State

From Bethlehem, Benedict demands Palestinian state

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Pope Benedict XVI • Palestine • Benjamin Netanyahu • Israel and Palestinians • Bethlehem • Palestinian statehood • Holy Land • two-state solution

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Rival Monks in Broom Brawl at Christ's Birthplace

Annual cleaning ignites tensions

Christians Usher in Christmas

Pope calls for peace in Syria, pilgrims gather in Bethlehem, and NORAD's phone rings off the hook

O Little Town of Bethlehem, Packed With Tourists

Faithful flock to Church of the Nativity

Israel Frees Another 550 Palestinians

Release follows clash at internment compound

Panetta to Israel: 'Just Get to the Damn Table'

Defense Secretary says military action should be 'last resort, not the first'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?