World Bulletin/News Desk

Seven Palestinian Christians on Sunday handed Pope Francis of the Vatican a letter on the suffering of the Palestinian people as a result of the continued Israeli occupation of their territories.

The letter contains information about the pain, suffering and suppression experienced by Palestinians because of Israel's occupation and suppressive measures, the Palestinian official news agency said.

The seven Christians, who came from the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Al-Quds [occupied East Jerusalem], called on the Pope to intervene to put an end to Israel's occupation and help the Palestinians establish a state where they can live in peace, stability and freedom like other peoples in the world.

Pope Francis has invited Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres to visit the Vatican and join him in praying for peace.

The pontiff, who started a visit to the central West Bank city of Bethlehem earlier today, has already met with Abbas and is scheduled to meet Peres during his visit to Israel.

Pope Francis is expected to visit Al-Quds Monday where he will visit Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as some Christian sites.