BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) — Israel issued fewer than half the travel permits the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem had requested for Christians from the Gaza Strip to attend Pope Benedict XVI’s Mass May 13 in Bethlehem.

“We gave 250 (names). We should have at least gotten 200. There was no explanation for anything,” said Father Humam Khzouz, chancellor of the Latin patriarchate. Wadie Abunasser, spokesman for the local church committee organizing the visit, said only 95 permits were issued for Gaza residents.

One of the Gazans present at the papal Mass, Bishara Khoury, said the small number of travel permits did not surprise him. Waiting for permits and not receiving them has become the routine, said the 46-year-old information specialist.

“It is normal. At Easter none of us could leave,” said Khoury, who is Greek Orthodox, as he stood near a tree trying to grab some shade during the Mass in Manger Square. Khoury said his group left Gaza midday May 12 and waited four hours at the Israeli-manned Erez checkpoint before being able to cross.