As pilgrims and faithful gathered at the gates of the Holy City to commemorate the trium-phal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, delivered a Palm Sunday message calling for hope, unity, and perseverance in the face of ad-versity. Offering greetings to those present and to all united in prayer across the region – from Gaza to Nazareth, from Bethle-hem to Jenin, including the faithful in Jordan and Cyprus, Cardinal Pizzaballa’s words especially ho-noured the Christian community of Jerusalem, whom he described as the custodians of the flame of faith in the city of the Resu-rrection.
“We know we are living through difficult times,” the Cardinal acknowledged. “But we are not here today to speak only of hardship. We are here to proclaim with strength that we are not afraid. We are children of light, of resurrection, of life. We believe in a love that conquers all.” As the Church enters Holy Week, the Patriarch reflected on the Passion of Christ, reminding the faithful that suffering is not the final word. “The Passion is not God’s last word to the world. The Risen One is. And we are here to affirm it once more – with strength, with love, and with unshakable faith.”
Addressing all Christians, he appealed for a response of peace to hatred, unity to division, and welcome to rejection. “This is our vocation: to build, to unite, to tear down walls, and to hope against all hope.” Concluding his message, the Patriarch called on the faithful not to lose heart. “Let us not be discouraged. Let us not lose hope. Let us lift our eyes with trust and renew our concrete and sincere commitment to peace and unity, grounded in the power of Christ’s love.”