- Title: Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch arrives in Bethlehem to lead Christmas festivities
- Date: 24th December 2019
- Summary: PIZZABALLA ENTERING CHURCH CLERGYMEN WALKING ALONGSIDE PIZZABELLA INSIDE THE CHURCH VARIOUS OF PIZZABELLA PRAYING ON HIS KNEES WORSHIPPERS ATTENDING SERVICE PIZZABELLA LEADING SERVICE AT THE NATIVITY CHURCH SERVICE IN PROGRESS
- Embargoed: 7th January 2020 15:30
- Keywords: Bethlehem Christmas Church of Nativity Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa Manger Square Palestinians
- Location: BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK
- City: BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK
- Country: Palestinian Territories
- Topics: Religion/Belief,Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA003BBC4P53
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The acting Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, arrived in the West Bank town of Bethlehem to kick off Christmas festivities and lead the Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity on Tuesday (December 24).
Pizzaballa, who travelled to Bethlehem through the Israeli built-separation barrier, was greeted by thousands of Palestinians and tourists who gathered at Manger Square, outside the Nativity Church, to celebrate Christmas Eve.
Marching bands were performing at the iconic square in the centre of Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus.
The patriarch was accompanied by a procession of clergymen into the ancient church, where he is expected to lead midnight and Christmas morning mass.
(Production: Mohammed Abu Ganeyeh, Ismail Khadder, Mamoun Wazwaz, Mustafa Abu Ganeyeh, Roleen Tafakji) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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