Pope's Mideast envoy launches Christmas in Bethlehem
By REUTERS
Palestinians and pilgrims gathered on Manger Square on Saturday to welcome the Custodian of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, and other senior priests on their arrival in Bethlehem, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus.Patton's arrival in the biblical town marks the beginning of the festive season of Advent, when millions of Christians around the world make their preparations for Christmas.The Custodian of the Holy Land is the Pope's envoy to the Middle East. He is the major superior of the friars in the Palestinian territories, as well as in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus and the Greek island of Rhodes.
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