Jerusalem, July 22, 2025 – The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem held a joint press conference, highlighting the historic pastoral visit of His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, The Patriarch of Jerusalem. Together, they carried a message of consolation and hope to a grieving people, and a cry of conscience to a silent world.
A Moving Depiction of a Tragic Reality
The conference began with a video produced by the Media Office of the Latin Patriarchate, showcasing real footage from Gaza that highlighted the immense humanitarian crisis and widespread devastation caused by the war. Particular attention was given to the Holy Family Latin Parish, which has served as a sanctuary for many displaced families, both Christian and Muslim.
His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III: The Church Stands with the Suffering
In his opening address, Patriarch Theophilos III conveyed deep sorrow over what he had seen in Gaza, while also affirming that hope remains unwavering even in the midst of profound pain: “we entered as servants of the suffering Body of Christ”, he said.
“Among the broken walls of the Church of the Holy Family and the wounded hearts of its faithful, we witnessed both profound grief and unyielding hope. We knelt in prayer beside the afflicted and laid our hands upon those yearning for comfort..”
He went on to emphasize the Church’s role during times of devastation, saying it “is rooted in the ministry of presence, of standing with those who mourn, of defending the sacredness of life, and of witnessing to the light that no darkness can extinguish…. To the children of Gaza we say: the Church will remain by your side”. He also urged the international community to speak out, declaring that “silence in the face of suffering is a betrayal of conscience.”
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: Gaza Is Not Alone—Christ Is Present
Cardinal Pizzaballa reflected on the pastoral visit, stating: “returned from Gaza with broken hearts. But also encouraged by the testimony of many people we met”.
He portrayed the situation as both tragic and deeply human, sharing vivid scenes such as “mothers preparing food for others” amidst the “tents that have become homes for those who have lost everything”.
He went on to affirm Christ’s presence in Gaza: “He is crucified in the bodies of the wounded, present in every hand extended to help”. He also emphasized their purpose: they “did not go as political envoys but as shepherds. The Church will not abandon her people.”
His Beatitude underscored that the Church’s mission in Gaza extends to everyone: “Our hospitals, shelters, schools, parishes — St. Porphyrius, the Holy Family, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, Caritas — are places of encounter and sharing for all: Christians, Muslims, believers, doubters, refugees, children. Humanitarian aid is not only necessary — it is a matter of life and death. Refusing it is not a delay, but a sentence. Every hour without food, water, medicine and shelter causes deep harm”.
He concluded by stressing that a true and lasting peace can only come through reconciliation — “a genuine, painful and courageous reconciliation. Not forgetting, but forgiving. Not erasing wounds, but transforming them into wisdom. Only such a path can make peace possible — not only politically, but also humanly.”
A Joint Appeal to the Global Conscience
The two Patriarchs issued a joint appeal to world leaders and decision-makers, calling for an end to the war, the release of detainees, and the beginning of a true healing process that restores life and dignity to Gaza and the entire Holy Land.
They also recalled the words of Pope Leo XIV during the Angelus prayer, in which he urged the international community to uphold “humanitarian law and to respect the obligation to protect civilians, as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of the population.”
Prince El Hassan bin Talal: A Cry of Conscience Against Targeting Places of Worship
Following the opening speeches, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal heartfelt address in which he expressed his deep sorrow over the bombing of the Holy Family Church, which resulted in casualties and injuries, was read aloud. He affirmed that churches and mosques, as houses of God, must be spared the horrors of war.
He stated: “In the face of continued attacks on places of worship…, I must say that these acts are grave crimes unacceptable to any human conscience. Mosques, churches, and houses of worship are the houses of God and sanctuaries for those who believe in Him. Violating them is an assault on freedom of worship—an inalienable human, legal, and moral right that cannot be divided or compromised….Despite everything, the Christians of Gaza—like their Muslim brothers and sisters—remain steadfast in the face of injustice, destruction, violence, and intimidation since the beginning of this war.”
Dialogue with the Press
The conference ended with a dialogue session in which both Patriarchs responded to journalists’ questions regarding the future of the Christian presence in Gaza, the means of delivering aid, and the Church’s role in the next phase.
This gathering went beyond a typical press conference—it served as a powerful witness to the Church’s steadfast dedication to stand with the oppressed and to proclaim the Gospel message even in the midst of war: “a just peace, to unconditional dignity and to a love that transcends all borders”.