By Marinella Bandini
Jerusalem, Dec 23, 2024 / 17:15 pm
The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, recently held a Christmas press conference after visiting Gaza. During his visit, he celebrated Mass and encouraged the Christians in Gaza to shine brightly amidst the darkness of war.
Approximately 400 Christians have sought refuge in Holy Family Parish, the sole Catholic church in Gaza, since the war began, reports ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.
During the press conference, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized that Jesus was born “for you.” He highlighted that Jesus did not come to impose obligations like earthly rulers but to seek out those who, like Him, are often overlooked by society, much like the shepherds.
The press conference not only served as a platform for the cardinal to deliver his annual Christmas message but also allowed him to share insights from his visit to the Catholic community in Gaza. This visit came after Pope Francis mentioned the difficulties Cardinal Pizzaballa faced in entering Gaza and the challenges faced by the residents there.
Addressing these challenges, Cardinal Pizzaballa acknowledged the complexities involved in entering Gaza but emphasized the importance of focusing on the positive aspects, such as the people who assisted in overcoming obstacles.
He also mentioned his conversation with Pope Francis during the pope’s daily phone call to the parishioners of Gaza, where they exchanged greetings and shared a brief moment despite time constraints.
It’s not every day that we see a Pope who speaks so directly and clearly. Pope Francis has been vocal in calling for an end to the war, advocating for the release of hostages, and condemning the disproportionate response and impact on civilians.
“War, in all its forms, is a cruel reality that affects everyone, especially innocent civilians,” the patriarch emphasized.
With a background in Jewish studies, Cardinal Pizzaballa has fostered strong relationships with religious leaders.
He noted, “The Christian-Jewish dialogue has strengthened despite challenges. The mutual desire for dialogue persists, despite difficulties, because of the love and commitment to this important journey.”
During his recent visit to Gaza, the cardinal witnessed the worsening conditions since his last visit in May.
Coordinating with both sides to navigate the restricted movement, the delegation from the patriarchate aimed to prevent misunderstandings and ensure safety.
His observations in Gaza included scenes of destruction, poor sanitary conditions, and the constant reminder of conflict through drone activity and explosions.
Despite the grim reality, Cardinal Pizzaballa also saw signs of resilience and hope amongst the people.
Despite the challenges they face, the people of Gaza still find reasons to smile and appreciate the simple joys of life.
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Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa shared his observations of the resilience and positivity he encountered during his visit to Gaza. He highlighted the spirit of the people, including children playing in challenging conditions, individuals showing compassion, and parents prioritizing education for their children.
Pizzaballa emphasized the importance of supporting the community and providing resources for their future. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by Christians in Gaza and expressed the Church’s commitment to helping them stay and thrive in their homeland.
