Christmas Mass in Commemoration of the Nativity in Bethlehem

                            

strong BETHLEHEM, KOMPAS.com - Thousands of Christians from all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

highlight the celebration is Christmas Eve Mass at the Church of the Nativity of Jesus 1,700 years old, built on the site believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.

In Bethlehem, the Roman Catholic Church leaders in Jerusalem, voiced his support for the Palestinians.

While at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI led the traditional Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope asks people to "find time and space for God in their fast-paced lives."

Benedict prayed that Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace. He also prayed for peace in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

Mass, which is usually carried out at midnight, accelerated two hours for 85-year-old Pope was not too tired.

strong World Heritage Site

Before the Mass, Archbishop Fouad Twal said This Christmas should be a celebration of the "birth of Christ our Lord and the birth of a Palestinian state."

"The way [into the country] is long and requires a lot of effort," he said.

Archbishop who was born in Jordan was leading the procession symbolic of the old city of Jerusalem to the West Bank city, through the barrier and checkpoints were established by Israel.

He was greeted at the Manger Square by thousands of tourists, the church and the pastor.

Archbishop then led a Mass at the Church of the Nativity.

"From this holy place, I invite politicians and those who intend either to work for peace and reconciliation to Palestine and Israel in the midst of all the suffering in the Middle East," he said.

November, the UN raised the status of the Palestinians to "non-member observer state."

Israel backed by the United States against the move, calling it an attempt to undermine Palestinian peace negotiations stalled.

Church of the Nativity is located in the West Bank controlled by the Palestinian Authority.

June, the church was officially declared by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, the first location nominated by the Palestinians. Country became a full member of Unesco earlier this year.