Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Photo Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) – In the aftermath of the grievous strike on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza, which left three dead and at least nine wounded (see Fides, 17/7/2025), His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, together with His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, entered Gaza with an ecclesiastical delegation, expressing “the shared pastoral solicitude of the Churches of the Holy Land and their concern for the community of Gaza.”During their stay, the Patriarchs and other members of the delegation met with members of the local Christian community, to offer condolences and solidarity, and stand alongside those affected by the recent events. The visit was also an opportunity to witness firsthand the extent of the humanitarian tragedy that continues to crush the entire Palestinian population of the Strip.”At the request of the Latin Patriarchate, and in coordination with humanitarian partners,” reads the statement released this morning, “access was secured for the delivery of essential assistance not only to the Christian Community but also to as many families as possible. This includes hundreds of tons of food supplies as well as first aid kits and urgently needed medical equipment. In addition, the Patriarchate ensured the evacuation of individuals injured in the attack to medical institutions outside Gaza where they will receive care.”The statement expresses gratitude to Pope Leo XIV, who called Cardinal Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos upon their arrival in Gaza “to offer them his support, closeness, and prayers.” This morning, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem also issued a statement expressing their closeness to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and to the people taking refuge at the Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza following “the heinous attack by the Israeli Army on the church compound.”In the statement, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches of Jerusalem completely disregard Israeli statements aimed at portraying the raid on the Gaza parish as a “mistake.” The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches of Jerusalem describe this act as a deliberate “crime.” “Houses of worship,” the statement emphasizes, “are sacred spaces that should be kept safe. They are also protected under international law. Targeting a church that houses approximately 600 refugees, including children with special needs, is a violation of these laws. It is also an affront to human dignity, a trampling upon the sanctity of human life, and the desecration of a holy site.”The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches of Jerusalem also call on international political leaders and United Nations agencies “to work for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that leads to an end to this war,” imploring them to “guarantee the protection of all religious and humanitarian sites, and to provide for the relief of the starving masses throughout the Gaza Strip.” (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 18/7/2025)
Photo Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Photo Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Photo Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Photo Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Photo Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
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