Diocesan News
‘Christ is not absent from Gaza’
Press conference on visit to Gaza with His Beatitude Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa (Patriarch of Jerusalem)
On Tuesday July 22 The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem held a joint press conference following their visit to Gaza.
In his opening statement Cardinal Pizzaballa said he and Patriarch Theophilos III had returned from Gaza with broken hearts. But they were also encouraged by the testimony of many people they met.
He said: “We entered a place of devastation, but also of wonderful humanity. We walked through the dust of ruins, past collapsed buildings and tents everywhere: in courtyards, alleyways, on the streets and on the beach – tents that have become homes for those who have lost everything.
“We stood among families who have lost count of the days of exile because they see no horizon for a return. Children talked and played without batting an eyelid – they were already used to the noise of the bombing.
“And yet, in the midst of all this, we encountered something deeper than the destruction: the dignity of the human spirit that refuses to be extinguished. We met mothers preparing food for others, nurses treating wounds with gentleness, and people of all faiths still praying to the God who sees and never forgets.
“Christ is not absent from Gaza. He is there – crucified in the wounded, buried under rubble and yet present in every act of mercy, every candle in the darkness, every hand extended to the suffering.”
He pointed out that they were not politicians or diplomats but pastors. He emphasised that their mission was not for a specific group but for all. “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,” the Cardinal stated.
In appeal to leaders of the region and the world he said: “there can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge. There must be a way that restores life, dignity and all lost humanity”.
You can read the statement in full and watch a video from their visit to Gaza here.
You can read about their visit here.
A series of gathered perspectives from Christian leaders in the Land of the Holy One.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
087 235 6472
Mrs Lynn Glanville
[email protected]