Seeking to stem the exodus of Christians from the Holy Land, the Vatican on Monday launched an appeal for support for the ancient community, the Associated Press reports.

Pope Benedict XVI and other Catholic officials have addressed the plight of the region's dwindling Christian community frequently. The pontiff raised the subject during a pilgrimage last year.

The annual appeal announced Monday seeks to raise funds for schools, housing, scholarships and the restoration of Christian sites.

Members of the region's once large and prosperous communities are increasingly leaving conflict-ridden areas, including Iraq and the Palestinian territories, to seek better lives in the West. In Iraq and other countries, Christians have been specifically targeted with violence and other abuse.