Pope Leo XIV's New Representative in the Holy Land Begins his Ministry with Formal Entry into the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre

Archbishop Giorgio Lingua Begins Mission in the Holy Land

JERUSALEM — “Go, listen to everyone, dialogue with everyone, and pray for everyone.” With these words from Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Giorgio Lingua has officially begun his mission as the Holy See’s representative in a Holy Land fractured by war and deep uncertainty.

On Thursday, May 28, Archbishop Lingua made his solemn entry into Jerusalem, succeeding Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana as Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine, and Apostolic Nuncio in Israel. By tradition, a new delegate's formal entry into the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre marks the official start of their ministry.

A Festive Welcome at Jaffa Gate

The welcome began at the historic Jaffa Gate, where melodies from the Arab Catholic Scout band filled the streets. Heads of Churches, diplomats, religious communities, and the faithful gathered to greet the new nuncio before walking in procession to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. There, Archbishop Lingua was received by Fr. Francesco Ielpo, Custos of the Holy Land, alongside Greek Orthodox and Armenian Church leaders.

A Voice for Peace and Communion

Welcoming the delegate, H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, described the Archbishop’s mission as a sign of the Pope's fatherly care and a "discreet yet steadfast voice for peace."

Acknowledging the complex nature of the assignment, the Patriarch noted that Jerusalem is a loved but contested city with a demanding vocation for interfaith encounter. Assuring the Archbishop of the local community's prayers and collaboration, he prayed that the delegate would be an instrument of consolation and hope. Following his address, the official papal letter of appointment was read.

Unarmed, with a Heart for Dialogue

Standing before the empty tomb of Christ, Archbishop Lingua delivered his inaugural address, anchoring his message on the Pope’s three pillars: listening, dialogue, and prayer.

“And here I am,” the Archbishop stated. “Completely unarmed. I bring with me only the heart and mind of the Successor of Peter, with his desire for peace and unity.”

• Listening: He pledged to hear both the cries of suffering and the whispers of hope, promising to listen to Church leaders, political authorities, local faithful, and pilgrims alike.

• Dialogue: Calling dialogue "an act of faith" rather than a diplomatic necessity, he insisted that no barrier to reconciliation is permanent. He emphasized safeguarding the Status Quo governing the Holy Places, noting that if the stone of the tomb could be rolled away, "all the stones that divide us can also be removed" through mutual charity.

• Prayer: He dedicated the final portion of his reflection to prayer for the victims of regional violence, oppression, and war, noting that the Holy Father explicitly asked him to keep those who mourn at the forefront of his ministry.

Archbishop Lingua’s solemn entry represents a renewal of the Holy See’s closeness to the region. Though stepping into service during a period of profound grief, the new Apostolic Delegate carries a distinct papal charge to cultivate peace and hope in the land of the Resurrection.

Source - https://lpj.org/en/news/listen-dialogue-pray-official-entrance-of-the-apostolic-delegate

Image Latin Patriarchate Jerusalem