Cardinal Pizzaballa Hopes for Peaceful Solution in Iran and Reveals Bombing Continues in Gaza with People Dying
.jpg)
The Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was in Jordan, to participate in a dialogue meeting with about sixty priests from the Latin Patriarchate, and in the presence of three bishops: the Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan, Bishop Iyad Twal, the Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine, Bishop William Shomali, and the Patriarchal Vicar for Israel, Bishop Rafiq Nahra .IRAN - Hope for Peaceful Solution
Cardinal Pizzaballa, commented on the protests in Iran, which have been met with repression, considering them an explosion of the needs of those who demand peace, justice, and dignity, in Iran as in other places, and as is the case in the Holy Land. He said, there is always a red line that political authorities cannot cross, and that line is the desire of the people to "live a dignified life."
In an interview with Vatican News in January, the Cardinal expressed his hope for "peaceful solutions and that the situation will not deteriorate," stressing that "no one can ignore the desire for life and justice, which is an integral part of every human being's conscience."
West Bank and Jordan Affected by the War
Cardinal Pizzaballa, commented on the protests in Iran, which have been met with repression, considering them an explosion of the needs of those who demand peace, justice, and dignity, in Iran as in other places, and as is the case in the Holy Land. He said, there is always a red line that political authorities cannot cross, and that line is the desire of the people to "live a dignified life."
In an interview with Vatican News in January, the Cardinal expressed his hope for "peaceful solutions and that the situation will not deteriorate," stressing that "no one can ignore the desire for life and justice, which is an integral part of every human being's conscience."
West Bank and Jordan Affected by the War
Card. Pizzaballa describes the diocese as "complex," encompassing four different countries affected by ongoing conflict, though the impact varies from region to region. The entire Middle East has been severely affected by the war, both emotionally and practically. While the repercussions in Jordan have manifested primarily in "the paralysis of commercial life and the impact on economic activity and movement," the devastation in Gaza is "comprehensive," and the situation in the West Bank is "continuously deteriorating." In Israel, particularly in the Galilee, there is "a growing separation between the Jewish majority and the Arab minority, with a worsening problem of crime, which is more a matter of relationships than economics." Furthermore, border closures and a lack of permits have restricted the movement of Palestinians, "significantly impacting community life."
GAZA Situation - Bombings Continue
Over the past three months, since the ceasefire began as a first step in the US-proposed peace process, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has not changed much. The Patriarch notes, "There is no longer a direct front-line war, but targeted bombings continue. According to the U.N. about 450 Palestinians, including 100 children, have been killed since the ceasefire, in October 2025, began. There is more food than before, but medicine is lacking. People are dying from the cold, and they are also dying from lack of medical care, from the unavailability of antibiotics and essential medicines. In short, the prospects for the population remain completely uncertain."
Over the past three months, since the ceasefire began as a first step in the US-proposed peace process, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has not changed much. The Patriarch notes, "There is no longer a direct front-line war, but targeted bombings continue. According to the U.N. about 450 Palestinians, including 100 children, have been killed since the ceasefire, in October 2025, began. There is more food than before, but medicine is lacking. People are dying from the cold, and they are also dying from lack of medical care, from the unavailability of antibiotics and essential medicines. In short, the prospects for the population remain completely uncertain."
The " Board of Peace , " an international body led by US President Donald Trump, is expected to be announced soon. This body will oversee a technocratic government supposedly tasked with running Gaza. Cardinal Pizzaballa commented, "It will be very difficult to understand what this council can do, how it will operate, and how things will change. Everything is still uncertain, and there is much to be done, but what is clear is that the situation remains one of utter devastation."
CALL for Pilgrims to Return to the Holy Land
A call to pilgrims Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa also appealed to pilgrims to return to the entire Holy Land, including Jordan, which he described as the "quietest, most active and vibrant" part of the diocese, where Catholics represent the largest bloc of the Latin Patriarchate, and where the faithful, especially the young, show "a sense of belonging not only to Jordan, but also to the Christian community, a beautiful and strong sense that is manifested in volunteer work which is not usually so widespread in the Middle East."
Cardinal Pizzaballa concluded his remarks by requesting that pilgrimages be organized because "it is perfectly safe," describing the Holy Land as "a fifth Gospel, a kind of eighth mystery, because it offers the experience of encountering Jesus and touching his hand. Anyone can be a full Christian without visiting the Holy Land, but if they go, their Christian faith will become stronger and more tangible." He encouraged all believers to live "this wonderful experience of encountering Jesus Christ and his humanity" in the Holy Land .
A call to pilgrims Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa also appealed to pilgrims to return to the entire Holy Land, including Jordan, which he described as the "quietest, most active and vibrant" part of the diocese, where Catholics represent the largest bloc of the Latin Patriarchate, and where the faithful, especially the young, show "a sense of belonging not only to Jordan, but also to the Christian community, a beautiful and strong sense that is manifested in volunteer work which is not usually so widespread in the Middle East."
Cardinal Pizzaballa concluded his remarks by requesting that pilgrimages be organized because "it is perfectly safe," describing the Holy Land as "a fifth Gospel, a kind of eighth mystery, because it offers the experience of encountering Jesus and touching his hand. Anyone can be a full Christian without visiting the Holy Land, but if they go, their Christian faith will become stronger and more tangible." He encouraged all believers to live "this wonderful experience of encountering Jesus Christ and his humanity" in the Holy Land .
Consistory Insights
Regarding the Consistory in which the Patriarch recently participated, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa noted its importance as "the first in a long time," and it took place in a very positive atmosphere with the aim of starting a dialogue, getting acquainted,
Regarding the Consistory in which the Patriarch recently participated, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa noted its importance as "the first in a long time," and it took place in a very positive atmosphere with the aim of starting a dialogue, getting acquainted,
Comments