Fr Artemio Vitores, guardian of the Basilica of the Nativity.

In Palestine, the city of Bethlehem is putting the final touches to its preparations for the central role it plays in the Christian world.

But it is impossible to hide the fact that the decision by US president Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has had its effect on the spirit of the inhabitants.

“These are difficult times. The peace the shepherds announced in this holy place has always been difficult,” the guardian of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem Fr Artemio Vitores told the international charity Aid to the Church in Need, which has a branch in Malta.

Speaking of the “problem of Jerusalem as capital”, this Franciscan friar, who lived for 46 years in Jerusalem before moving to Bethlehem, says: “Jerusalem has to be the mother of all and not the lover of one. The image of Jerusalem as a mother comes from the Old Testament, and a mother never excludes any of her children.

“If it is turned into the capital of Israel, or of Palestine, it will be an excluding action and there will not be room for others.”

Still, he is optimistic, expressing hope “that the situation does not go any further and people will stop and think”.

The consequences of the waves of violence in Bethlehem and Jerusalem are especially harmful to Christians, according to ACN. Since 1948, a total of 350,000 people have abandoned Bethlehem and its surrounding area. Father Vitores recalled the harm done during the second intifada, “which left the Holy Places without any pilgrims or visitors”.

It is estimated that during this period, from 2001 until 2005, “around 80% of the heads of families were left without any income. If there are no pilgrims, many people cannot survive. There is no work or food.”

Data shows that of the Christians who once made up 20% of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, only 1.4%.

For the priest, “if we do not work together, Christians will disappear from the Holy Land. How can we help? By visiting this land. This provides moral and economic support to its inhabitants”.

During 2017 the international Catholic pastoral charity and pontifical foundation ACN gave over €16 million in support of Holy Land and Middle East projects.

If you would like to help, go to www.acnmalta.org or get in touch on info@acnmalta.org or 2148 7818.

Religious functions at St Catherine Church, Bethlehem.