International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

Continuing his week-long pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday called for a "sovereign Palestinian homeland" and identified with Palestinian "suffering" during a one-day visit to Bethlehem and other parts of the West Bank.

The pontiff stood alongside Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as he delivered his strongest public support yet for Palestinian statehood.

"Mr. President, the Holy See 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," the pontiff 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," he added.