Top Roman Catholic clergyman in Holy Land to retire

: The top Roman Catholic Church functionary in the Holy Place Land is stepping down.

Church functionaries state Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah is retiring. On Wednesday, Sabbah is turning 75 — the traditional retirement age of Christian church officials.

Sabbah is the first Palestinian to throw his position. Throughout his tenure, he have been a vocal advocator for the Palestinian cause. At the same time, he have been an vocal critic of violence.

A Christian church functionary states Sabbah will remain on the occupation at least through the approaching Easter holiday. The functionary states Sabbah is expected to be succeeded by another Palestinian Christian church leader, Archbishop Fuad Twal.