Pope makes unscheduled stop at West Bank barrier

BETHLEHEM, Palestinian Territories - Pope Francis made an unscheduled stop at Israel's West Bank barrier in Bethlehem on Sunday, drawing attention to the towering 8m-high concrete wall topped by a guard tower.

The 77-year-old pontiff was surrounded by anxious Palestinian security forces as he stepped out of his white jeep and moved towards the graffiti-covered wall to pray. He remained there for several minutes before climbing back aboard the vehicle.

The stop came as the pope, who in on a three-day visit to the Middle East, was on his way to Bethlehem to celebrate mass with 10,000 pilgrims in Manger Square.