Amid the rubble and suffering of a population exhausted by war, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch begin meeting with clergy, religious communities, local Christian families, and people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
By Federico Piana
Starting on June 22, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, began a pastoral visit to Gaza aimed at healing the wounds of thousands of men, women, and children worn down by the atrocities of war.
The two were accompanied by Dr. Josef Blotz, Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and representatives of Malteser International, the Order’s humanitarian organization, which operates in many regions around the world.
The full delegation on a visit to the Gaza Strip
Pastoral closeness
In a statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the visit “expresses the pastoral responsibility of the Churches of Jerusalem toward the local churches and toward the whole population of Gaza, where families continue to endure grave humanitarian suffering, fear, loss, and uncertainty.”
It also emphasized the indispensable value of prayer in a context devastated by suffering—one that seems to drain all hope.
“The presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III and His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa carries the prayer of Jerusalem to Gaza’s wounded faithful and to all who suffer, in a ministry of consolation, mercy and steadfast Christian witness rooted in the Gospel and in the sacred vocation of the Holy City.”
Renewed hope
According to the official program, the Cardinal and the Patriarch are meeting with clergy, religious communities, local Christian families, and those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Through prayer and pastoral presence, they seek to offer spiritual strength, comfort, and renewed hope.
Their mission also aims to reaffirm the Churches’ commitment to healthcare, relief efforts, and the protection of human dignity.
A warm welcome
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Latin parish dedicated to the Holy Family, Cardinal Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos III were welcomed by applause and cheers.
After an initial greeting and a prayer led by the parish priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expressed his joy at being able to look not only into the eyes of parishioners and those living around the church, but also those of the residents of this suffering city.
The situation remains difficult, the Cardinal said, but the presence of Church leaders demonstrates the attention and concern the Churches continue to devote to Gaza, which remains a priority.
One moment during the visit
Ongoing concern
Cardinal Pizzaballa had previously visited the people of Gaza on December 19, 2025. Two days later, on December 21, he celebrated Christmas Mass in advance at the Holy Family parish, attended by many faithful who were deeply touched by the celebration.
In the aftermath of the Israeli strike that hit the parish on July 17 of last year—killing three people and injuring eleven others—Cardinal Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos III traveled together to Gaza to express solidarity with the victims’ families and to meet displaced residents.
That visit was considered historic because it was the first ecumenical visit of its kind during wartime. During their time there, the two patriarchs appealed to world leaders to bring an end to the war and to begin a path of healing and reconciliation for the whole of the Holy Land.
