Jerusalem, Israel - The first Palestinian to hold the top Roman Catholic position in the Holy Land is stepping down.
Church officials say Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah is retiring. On Wednesday, Sabbah is turning 75 _ the traditional retirement age of church officials.
Throughout his tenure, Sabbah has been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause. At the same time, he has been an outspoken critic of violence.
A church official says Sabbah will stay on the job at least through the upcoming Easter holiday. The official says Sabbah is expected to be succeeded by another Palestinian church leader, Archbishop Fuad Twal.