A cheering crowd of thousands welcomed the acting Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, on Christmas Eve, as he arrived at Bethlehem's Manger square in front of the Church of Nativity, where he will lead Christmas Midnight Mass.
Men, women and children gathered at the square and enjoyed music played by marching bands ahead of the arrival of the Patriarch.
The church of Nativity, on UNESCO's list of endangered World Heritage sites, is currently undergoing its first comprehensive renovation since it was completed 1,700 years ago.
Pizzabella is Pope Francis' representative in the Holy Land.