Day 6 - Pope Benedict in Bethlehem - Mass in Manger Square; Grotto of the Nativity; Caritas Baby Hospital and Aida Refugee Camp

On the Schedule Today (Wednesday May 13, 2009)

This post will be updated with news and commentary on the day's events

• 09.00 - Welcoming ceremony in the square in front of the presidential palace, in Bethlehem
• 10.00 - Holy Mass in Manger Square, Bethlehem
• 12.30 - Luncheon with the Ordinaries of the Holy Land, the Franciscan community and the Papal Entourage at the Casa Nova monastery in Bethlehem
• 15.30 - Private visit to the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem
• 16.10 - Visit to the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem
• 16.45 - Visit to the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem
• 18.00 - Courtesy visit to the president of the Palestine National Authority in the presidential palace of Bethlehem
• 18.40 - Farewell ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace

Spoken words of Pope Benedict

• Welcoming ceremony in the square in front of the presidential palace, in Bethlehem (May 13, 2009)
• Holy Mass on the Manger's Square in Bethlehem (May 13, 2009)
• Visit to the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem (May 13, 2009)
• Visit to the Refugee Camp Al Aida' in Bethlehem (May 13, 2009)
• Farewell ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace (May 13, 2009)

Coverage and Commentary

• Pope affirms support for Palestinian state, celebrates Mass in Bethlehem, by Cindy Wooden and Judith Sudilovsky. (Catholic News Service)
• In Bethlehem, Pope Laments Israeli Wall, by Rachel Donadio (New York Times)
• Pope urges end to conflict that walls off Bethelehem (Reuters)
• Don't be afraid to break ‘stalemate of fear’ Pope tells Palestinians (Catholic News Agency)
• Today, Benedict belonged to the Palestinians, by John Allen, Jr. (National Catholic Reporter)