RAMALLAH, May 13, 2009 (WAFA)- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called, Wednsdy, for establishing a Palestinian state that lives in peace with its neighbors, while Pope Benedict XVI, expressed the Vatican's support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

President Abbas and the Pope met in Bethlehem, before the Pontiff's visit to the Church of Nativity and Aida Palestinian refugee camp.

'It is time to end the suffering of Palestinians people and reach a just peace based on the two-state solution,' Abbas said the pope’s reception ceremony at the Palestinian Presidential Palace in Bethlehem.

'Our people are still looking for justice and seek a just peace,' President Abbas stated.

The pope delivered support for the Palestinians' right of having a homeland. '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 neighbors, and within internationally recognized borders,' he said.

The pontiff also drew attention to the plight of the Palestinians who live in the Gaza Strip controlled by Islamic Hamas movement, saying his heart was with the families who have lost so much due to the recent hostilities.

'In a special way my heart goes out to the pilgrims from war-torn Gaza,' he said later at an open air mass in Bethlehem’s Manger Square attended by thousands of pilgrims, Muslim Religious personalities, and some pilgrims from Gaza.

'I ask you to bring back to your families and your communities my warm embrace and my sorrow for the loss, the hardship and the suffering you have had to endure,' he said.