Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem arrived in the biblical town of Bethlehem on Saturday, marking the beginning of annual Christmas celebrations in the occupied West Bank.

Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa led the procession of the Latin Patriarchate to Nativity Square through the separation wall Israel has constructed around much of the occupied city and is expected to conduct a midnight Mass at the site.

Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, which the United States government, the United Nations Security Council, and the International Court of Justice deem to be under military occupation of Israeli forces.

Each year Palestinian Christians join pilgrims from around the world, who travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.