BETHLEHEM, 14 (NE) Upon concluding the Synod of the Catholic Church in Holy Land, which gathered Catholics from the different rites present in this region, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah announced that Pope John Paul II will visit a Palestinian refugee camp during his pilgrimage to Holy Land. In a press conference on Saturday, Patriarch Sabbah said the the Pope will visit Dheisheh refugee camp near the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

    Patriarch Sabbah said as well that during his visit, to take place from March 20 to 25, the Pope will assure refugees in Dheisheh that they "have the same dignity as all human beings, and your pains and suffering are part of the general sufferings and pain we carry in our hearts". Thousands of Palestinians were driven out or fled in 1948 due to the Arab-Israeli war. "All refugees who were expelled from their homes have the natural right to return to their homes and land", the Patriarch further emphasized.

    During the final declaration of the synod, issued after closing the assembly which gathered 300 Bishops, priests, religious and lay people, the Catholic Church in Holy Land called to peace and equal rights for all the inhabitants of this region. The meeting was the final phase of the Synod, which began five years ago.