Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has returned to Gaza alongside Patriarch Theophilos III in a fresh wartime visit to Holy Family parish Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has travelled to Gaza alongside the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, ahead of his departure for Rome to attend Pope Leo XIV’s second consistory. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem arrived in the territory on 22 June accompanied by Dr Josef Blotz, Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and representatives of Malteser International, the Order’s humanitarian agency. In a statement issued the same day, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the visit was intended to support both the Christian community and the wider population of Gaza as the war and humanitarian crisis continue. “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,” the Patriarchate said. It added that the presence of Patriarch Theophilos and Cardinal Pizzaballa carried the prayer of Jerusalem to Gaza’s wounded faithful and to all who suffer, in a ministry of consolation, mercy and steadfast Christian witness. According to the Patriarchate, the two Church leaders are meeting clergy, religious communities, local Christian families and others affected by the continuing conflict, hoping through “prayer, personal encounter and pastoral presence” to offer “spiritual strength, comfort and hope in the midst of deep suffering”. The Patriarchate described the mission as one aimed at bringing prayer, consolation and hope to those living through the continuing effects of war, displacement and uncertainty. The visit began at Holy Family parish, where Cardinal Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos were welcomed by those sheltering within the church compound. The parish, led by Fr Gabriel Romanelli, has become a refuge for Christian and Muslim families since the outbreak of the war, providing shelter as well as access to food and water. After prayers led by Fr Romanelli, Cardinal Pizzaballa spoke briefly about the continuing hardships facing the population. “The situation is difficult,” he said, while assuring those present that Gaza remained a priority for the Churches of the Holy Land. He also said he was pleased to be able to return and meet the people of the territory in person, speaking of his joy at being able “to look into the eyes not only of the parishioners and those living around the church, but of all the inhabitants of this suffering city”. The Jerusalem patriarch has been among the most prominent Church leaders in the Middle East since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war and has repeatedly drawn international attention for his efforts to support Gaza’s small Christian community. His latest visit marks a return to a territory he has visited on several occasions during the conflict, despite the severe restrictions on access. In December 2025, Cardinal Pizzaballa travelled to Gaza shortly before Christmas and celebrated Mass at Holy Family parish, in what was regarded as an important sign of solidarity with local Christians trapped in the enclave. The current visit is also the second wartime journey to Gaza undertaken jointly by Cardinal Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos. The two Church leaders previously travelled together following the Israeli strike on the Holy Family church compound in July last year, which killed three people and injured several others, including Fr Romanelli. In the aftermath, the two patriarchs made what was widely regarded as a historic visit to express solidarity with the victims and with Gaza’s Christian community, while also appealing for an end to the conflict and for a process of healing and reconciliation across the Holy Land.