Chairman Yasar Arafat greeted the Pope after he kissed a bowl of Bethlehem soil. The Holy Father then rode the popemobile through the winding roads of Bethlehem, as he proceeded to the Presidential Palace. Later the Pope will travel to the Basilica of the Nativity in Manger Square where the Pope will celebrate Mass. Later in the day, the Pope is scheduled to visit the Deheisha Refugee Camp and meet with Yasar Arafat. Bethlehem is located in Palestinian territory and the population is made up of Christians and Moslems.
Protestants are also present in the Judean town.