Pope John Paul arrives in Bethlehem

Pope John Paul II of the Vatican arrived today in Bethlehem, where he visited Christ's birthplace.

The pope arrived yesterday evening in Israel coming from Jordan, and he will visit Palestinian self-rule areas.

The pope depicted his visit to the holy areas as spiritual and personal.

Three children representing the three heavenly religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) gave the pope during his mass a basket full of sand from the holy land for the Pope to kiss and bless.

The pope also received Israeli President Ezer Weizman and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, as well Israeli ministers and representatives of all the religious factions.