from the New York Times website:

In his address, the pope, who planned to visit a Palestinian refugee camp later, said: I know how much you have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the turmoil that has afflicted this land for decades. My heart goes out to all the families who have been left homeless.He said the Vatican supports the right of your people to a sovereign Palestinian homeland in the land of your forefathers, secure and at peace with its neighbors, within internationally recognized borders. Even if at present that goal seems far from being realized, I urge you and all your people to keep alive the flame of hope, hope that a way can be found of meeting the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for peace and stability.He added: I make this appeal to the many young people throughout the Palestinian Territories today: do not allow the loss of life and the destruction that you have witnessed to arouse bitterness or resentment in your hearts. Have the courage to resist any temptation you may feel to resort to acts of violence or terrorism.

Fuller coverage at Asia News. From the Pope's homily during the Mass in the Square:

Gods grace has appeared, St. Paul tells us, training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and to live, temperately, justly and devoutly in this age, as we await the coming of our blessed hope, the Savior Jesus Christ (Tit 2:11-13). Are these not the virtues required of men and women who live in hope? First, the constant conversion to Christ which is reflected not only in our actions but also in our reasoning: the courage to abandon fruitless and sterile ways of thinking, acting and reacting. Then, the cultivation of a mindset of peace based on justice, on respect for the rights and duties of all, and commitment to cooperation for the common good. And also perseverance, perseverance in good and in the rejection of evil. Here in Bethlehem, a special perseverance is asked of Christs disciples: perseverance in faithful witness to Gods glory revealed here, in the birth of his Son, to the good news of his peace which came down from heaven to dwell upon the earth. Do not be afraid! This is the message which the Successor of Saint Peter wishes to leave with you today, echoing the message of the angels and the charge which our beloved Pope John Paul II left with you in the year of the Great Jubilee of Christs birth.

Update:Here is John Allen's reflection under the title: "Today, Benedict Belonged to the Palestinians."

Robert P. Imbelli, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, is a longtime Commonweal contributor.

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