Jerusalem: The timber which was part of the cradle of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was returned to the Vatican. Part of the manor of Bethlehem was handed over to Pope Theodore I in the 7th century by St. Sophronius of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem following the conquest of Islam. Prior to this, it was housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Vatican officials have returned the Holy Customs of the Holy Land in Jerusalem. A special liturgical ceremony was held yesterday at the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem. The Mass will be celebrated today at St. Catherine’s Church in Bethlehem.
Palestinian news agency ‘Wafa’ reported that Palestinian President Mehmood Abbas recently spoke with Pope Francis about the return of Pulkut’s remains when Pope Francis visited the Vatican.
