Heads of Catholic Churches in the Holy Land Reveal Christians are a Sign of Hope for Peace as They Mourn the Death of Fr. Pierre in Lebanon

The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, report that their communities remain committed to non-violence despite the devastating impacts of war. Alongside prayers for peace and political discernment during Lent, the Assembly honored the service of the departing Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Adolfo Tito Yllana, and mourned Father Pierre el Rai, a Maronite priest killed in a Lebanese bombing. Their message emphasizes Christian hope and sacrifice as essential seeds for future stability in the Middle East.

FULL TEXT Release of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land

Due to security measures, the members of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land suspended the plenary meeting scheduled to take place in Nazareth and instead convened online to provide updates on the situation within their respective ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

To a greater or lesser extent, all communities are suffering from the consequences of the war ravaging the region. We have observed that, even in the most challenging circumstances, our Christian faithful have not succumbed to the temptation of responding with violence. This is a sign of hope and a testimony to our Christian identity. During this Lenten season, we lift our prayers and sacrifices to God, asking Him to enlighten the hearts of those who lead the nations and guide them onto the path that leads to true peace.

We have bid farewell to our esteemed Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Adolfo Tito Yllana, who since 2021 has served the Church in the Holy Land as the representative of the Holy See. Our gratitude and our prayers go with him, that the Lord may reward him and bless him in his ministry. Through his presence, we have experienced the Holy Father’s closeness and solicitude for the Holy Land and all its inhabitants.

We offer our condolences and prayers for the eternal rest of the Maronite priest, Father Pierre el Rai, who died in a bombing in Lebanon while ministering to his parishioners. May his sacrifice serve as an example and a seed of peace for the entire Middle East.

Jerusalem, March 10, 2026

Source: https://aocts.org/news/official-statement