Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III inside Gaza City's Holy Family Church (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem via X)
Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III made a rare and symbolic visit to war-ravaged Gaza on Monday, delivering a message of hope to the enclave’s besieged Christian community and civilians caught in nearly three years of conflict.
Standing inside Gaza City’s Holy Family Church, where Christians have sheltered since Hamas’s October 7 massacre triggered the war, Pizzaballa declared: “We never abandoned you, and you’ll never be abandoned.” The delegation also met clergy, displaced families, and humanitarian workers while reaffirming the churches’ commitment to relief efforts and the protection of human dignity.
The visit comes a year after an Israeli tank shell accidentally struck the Holy Family Church during fighting, killing three people. Israel expressed deep regret over the incident, stressing it does not deliberately target churches or religious sites. The patriarchs’ return underscores the determination of Jerusalem’s Christian leadership to remain present in Gaza despite the ongoing war and mounting humanitarian challenges.
House Republicans block bid to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Iran war as Trump…
Despite conflict with US and Israel, and after months of tightening sanctions, Iran still has…
Ahead of Lebanon visit, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz rips UN peacekeeping force,…
Israeli security officials acknowledge that any renewed conflict could unfold in unexpected ways.
In announcing her resignation, Ayala Hasson accused Kan of failing in its duty to represent…
Objects were thrown as the Bidens left the venue.