From correspondents in Middle East, 07:32 PM IST

Pope Benedict XVI arrived Wednesday afternoon to pray at the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

His prayer at the Church of the Nativity, which tradition holds is built on the site of the stable and manger where Christ was born, was a solemn private moment for the pontiff, who was on a day-long visit to Bethlehem as part of his five-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian areas.

Earlier Wednesday, Benedict conducted a mass in Manger Square, outside the Church of the Nativity, attended by local Christians and foreign pilgrims.

The pontiff was due to later visit a childrens' hospital and then address residents of the Aida refugee camp, before holding talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and then heading back to Jerusalem.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)