Bethlehem
Trump trip to Middle East, Vatican offers religious opportunities and pitfalls
By Lauren Markoe — May 18, 2017
(RNS) Whether the president's time abroad will appease faith groups upset by his proposed Muslim travel ban and his waffling over the possibility of moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem — among other thorny issues — remains to be seen.
Bethlehem shrine’s treasures being restored
By Josephine McKenna — January 12, 2017
ROME (RNS) The Church of the Nativity, which sits above what is believed to be Jesus' birthplace, draws more than a million visitors every year.
Amid Middle East gloom, Christmas brings some cheer in Bethlehem
By Jerome Socolovsky — December 19, 2016
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (Reuters) - This Christmas, for once, Bethlehem really can boast again that there is no room at the inn, as relative calm in the Israeli-occupied West Bank brings pilgrims and tourists flocking to the town of Jesus's birth.
Palestinian Authority limits Christmas celebrations in West Bank
By Michele Chabin — November 30, 2015
BETHLEHEM (RNS) The Palestinian Authority has asked the municipality of Bethlehem not to set off holiday fireworks this year and to limit the festive lights and decorations to two main streets.
Jewish extremists suspected of torching mosque near Bethlehem
By Michele Chabin — February 25, 2015
JERUSALEM (RNS) Wednesday's attack occurred on the 21st anniversary of the shooting spree by Baruch Goldstein that left 29 Muslim worshippers dead.
Believers pray to ‘Our Lady of the Milk’ in this ancient Bethlehem spot where Mary nursed Jesus
By Michele Chabin — December 19, 2014
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (RNS) “We estimate that in the past dozen years at least 3,000 babies have been born to mothers who prayed in the grotto,” said the Franciscan brother who guards it.
Pope Francis invites Israeli, Palestinian presidents to talks at the Vatican
By Michele Chabin — May 25, 2014
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (RNS) "The time has come for everyone to find the courage to be generous and creative in the service of the common good," Francis said at a welcoming ceremony in Bethlehem hosted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
COMMENTARY: In Bethlehem, Pope Francis can show his support for peace, justice
By Vera Baboun — May 22, 2014
(RNS) On the eve of a papal visit, the mayor of Bethlehem says Pope Francis can restore hope to Palestinian youth and the “excluded” Palestinian nation as a whole.
Holy Land Christians hope Pope Francis’ visit might revive peace talks
By Evan Simko-Bednarski — May 13, 2014
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (RNS) Pope Francis travels to Jerusalem later this month to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew I, head of the Eastern Orthodox Church. But many hope his off-script message might revive moribund peace talks.
Foreign ministry strike may force Pope Francis to postpone Israel trip
By Michele Chabin — March 7, 2014
JERUSALEM (RNS) A strike by employees of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs may force Pope Francis to postpone his visit to Israel, scheduled for May 24-26.
Pope to visit the Holy Land, but details spark debate
By David Gibson — December 23, 2013
(RNS) Pope Francis is planning to visit Jordan, Israel and the West Bank in May. But the itinerary of the brief trip is sparking debate even before details of the papal pilgrimage have been finalized.
At Christmas, a rare collaboration to restore an ancient church
By Michele Chabin — December 23, 2013
(RNS) In what some are calling the biggest miracle in Bethlehem since the birth of Jesus, the three churches that share responsibility for the Nativity church put aside centuries of tense relations this past year to ensure the restoration of the ancient site is completed.
Jesus the Jew, Jesus the Palestinian
By Omid Safi — December 24, 2012
Jesus was Jewish, and Jesus was Palestinian. Both of these aspects are missing from today's Christmas celebration.
Vatican blasts media coverage of pope’s latest book
By Alessandro Speciale — November 29, 2012
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican newspaper criticized media coverage of Pope Benedict's latest book on Jesus, saying that misdirected attention on minor remarks on Christmas traditions oveshadowed the pontiff's key message. By Alessandro Speciale.
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