Patriarchs of Jerusalem in a Solidarity Visit: His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa — “You Are Not Alone!”
Amid the ruins of war and the pain of long days, the Holy Family Latin Parish in Gaza continues to stand firm—offering a living witness to faith and Christian resilience. The presence of their shepherd among them became a source of comfort and strength, as on the morning of Friday, July 18, 2025, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, paid a joint solidarity visit to Gaza at the head of an Ecclesial delegation, bearing a message of pastoral communion from the Churches of the Holy Land and reaffirming their spiritual and human closeness to the people of Gaza.
Cardinal Pizzaballa has long been committed to visiting the Holy Family Parish in Gaza twice a year. Yet this most recent visit became, in itself, a miracle and a door of hope amid the ongoing conflict. The Cardinal remained with the parish community for three days, during which he closely followed their spiritual and material needs and worked earnestly to address them. He listened with deep paternal compassion to the stories and concerns of his parishioners.
Throughout these days, His Beatitude prayed with the faithful, presided over daily Mass celebrations, offered condolences to the families of victims and the wounded, visited the Orthodox Church and the Caritas center, as well as checked up on the damaged infrasturcture of the Parish and School.
“You Are Not Alone”
During Sunday Mass Homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed the depth of ecclesial solidarity with Gaza, affirming that his presence alongside Patriarch Theophilos is a sign of the Church's heart, as it reflects "the unity of the Church and the solidarity of all the Churches in the world with you.” He emphasized that the Church’s concern is not limited to Christians alone, but extends to every person:“Our heart is open to all. It is important to stress that. We are thankful for all what we have been able to do for you here, but we are also concerned for all what is happening in all Gaza".
Reflecting on the reading from the Book of Genesis, recounting God’s visit to Abraham in his tent, the Cardinal saw an echo of that God's encounter in Gaza today: "This reminded me of all the tents I saw in these days along the way. Abraham was outside the tent. He was old, Sara was old. They had no children, meaning that there was no more perspective of life for them. And those three men, who are symbol of the passage of God, visited him.... and as consequence of the God visit, Abraham got a promise of life, a child. We must pray for the visit of God among us. But also, we must pray to be able to recognize such presence. You might not notice this because you live here, but every-time I came here - unfortunately not often – I can testify by experience that yes, God already visited you! Because I see in your presence, in many people, life inside you. In this sea of death, of destruction, life is present. Wherever there is one who is willing to give life for the other, God is present".
Despite the harsh reality, the Cardinal renewed hope through the strength of faith: "In this sea of hatred and violence, which is a clear sign of the power of the devil... albeit so powerful, cannot extinguish life in us. So, we must be strong and continue being a living presence here"…
This News was originally published on the Website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, click here to read more.