Bethlehem, West Bank, May 13, SPA -- Pope Benedict XVI began the Palestinian leg of his current five-day Mid-East tour Wednesday by expressing unequivocal support for an independent Palestinian state. The Pope told Gazans that he hoped Israel's blockade of the Strip would "soon be lifted." "The Holy See supports the right of your people to a sovereignPalestinian homeland in the land of your forefathers, secure and atpeace with its neighbors, within internationally recognizedborders," Benedict assured Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the ceremony welcoming him to the city. He also expressed solidarity with the Palestinians, telling them"I know how much you have suffered," and with Palestinian refugees, saying "My heart goes out to all the families who have been left homeless."--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/663891