A Palestinian security force officer stands guard as Pope Benedict XVI leads a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Wednesday. (Kevin Frayer/Associated Press)Pope Benedict XVI reiterated his calls for Palestinian independence as he arrived in the traditional birthplace of Jesus for a one-day visit on Wednesday.

The pontiff's motorcade drove through a crossing in Israel's towering West Bank separation barrier Wednesday to reach the cradle of Christianity where crowds gathered and cheered "Long live the Pope, long live Palestine."

Israel allowed about 100 members of Gaza's tiny Christian community to travel through Israeli territory to the West Bank to witness the Pope's visit.

It is the third day of Benedict's Holy Land pilgrimage, which is meant largely to boost interfaith relations.

The Pope was greeted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and told Palestinians that he understands their suffering and supports their quest for a sovereign homeland.

Pope Benedict XVI, center, gestures to worshippers as he walks surrounded by security to the Church of the Nativity, believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ following a mass in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Wednesday, May 13, 2009. The Pope is on a five day visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. (Tara Todras-Whitehill/Associated Press)"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 neighbours, within internationally recognized borders," the Pope said.

The Vatican supports a two-state solution to the conflict, he said.

'No occupation, no checkpoints'

The Pope also called for Palestinian independence upon his arrival in Israel on Monday for his high-profile Holy Land pilgrimage.

Israel's new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in the audience, has said the Palestinians aren't ready to rule themselves and has resisted international pressure to declare his support for a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

At the Pope's arrival ceremony, Abbas denounced the concrete slabs and electronic fences that stretch for hundreds of kilometres along the West Bank.

"In this Holy Land, there are those who continue to build separation walls, instead of bridges, and who try with the occupation forces to compel both Christians and Muslims alike to leave the country, so that our holy places change into mere archeological sites, rather than places of worship, alive and bustling with believers," Abbas told the Pope in Arabic.

Palestinians want a future with "no occupation, no checkpoints, no walls, no prisoners, no refugees," Abbas said.

The Pope, who has described himself as a "pilgrim of peace," has been forced to navigate a host of political land mines as he makes his way through Israel and the West Bank in his first visit to the region as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Before the Pope arrived on Wednesday, residents expressed hope he would use his moral authority to support their quest for independence.

'End injustice and end occupation'

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the Pope's visit amounts to "a call to end injustice and end occupation."

Many Palestinians hope the pontiff's visit will highlight their conditions under Israeli military rule.

The Pope's message appeared to be warmly received by the crowds of people who gathered to greet him, said CBC correspondent Peter Armstrong.

Though the Pope acknowledged Palestinians' difficulties, he stopped short of naming Israel and recognized the country's security concerns. Israel says it has been building the barrier of concrete slabs to keep out Palestinian militants.

"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 said.

Christians are a tiny minority among the 3.9 million Palestinians who live in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

"When he comes and visits us, it gives us moral and material support," said Ramzi Shomali, a 27-year-old electric company worker. "It motivates us to stay in our land, and he will see our situation and will use his power for our good."

Victor Batarseh, Bethlehem's Christian mayor, said he hoped the papal mission would "encourage Palestinian Christians to be steadfast on their land and encourage them to stay."

The Pope continued his tour with a mass held for about 5,000 people in Manger Square near the Church of the Nativity. He is also scheduled to visit a Palestinian refugee camp during his visit.

At the mass, he told worshippers that he was praying that Israel's embargo on Gaza "will soon be lifted."

"My heart goes out to the pilgrims from war-torn Gaza," the Pope said. "Please be assured of my solidarity with you in the immense work of rebuilding which now lies ahead."

The Pope also urged people not to "resort to acts of violence or terrorism."

He will return to Rome on Friday.

With files from The Associated Press