Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pizzaballa makes solidarity visit to Gaza

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Gaza on December 23, 2023, to express solidarity with the small Christian community there. This visit marked the first time a patriarch had entered the Gaza Strip since the escalation of conflict in October. Pizzaballa celebrated Christmas Eve Mass at the Holy Family Parish, the only Catholic church in Gaza, which is currently sheltering over 1,000 displaced Palestinians. During his visit, he met with local Christian families and emphasized the importance of peace and coexistence. The patriarch's presence aimed to offer comfort and support to a community facing immense hardship due to the ongoing war. He also called for humanitarian aid and an end to the violence, highlighting the suffering of all civilians in the region. The visit underscores the precarious situation of Gaza's Christian population, estimated to be around 1,000 individuals, who are caught amidst the broader conflict.