Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has sent a letter to Pope Francis to convey the “most sincere gratitude” of Catholic leaders and all the Christian faithful in the Middle East for his closeness and compassion.
On the Day of prayer for world peace and fasting to mark the anniversary of Hamas’ ma-ssacre in Israel and the devasta-ting war that has ensued, the Pope also addressed a letter to the Catholics of the region expressing his closeness to the “small, de-fenceless flock” in the Holy Land “thirsting for peace.”
In his letter, published on Friday by the Vatican’s “L’Oss-ervatore Romano” newspaper, Cardinal Pizzaballa thanks the Pope for this “beautiful gesture of closeness and affection” and also for being “the only world leader” who acknowledges the human “suffering of all” remin-ding us of the need “not to lose our humanity”, even in these tragic circumstances.
Referring to the Day of prayer for peace joined by the Catholic communities in the Holy Land and across the world, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem noted that these “weapons of love” are the Church’s response “to the mis-trust that seems to be spreading more and more. “In this context of deeply rooted hatred,” he said, “there is a need for empathy, for gestures and words of love that, even if they don’t change the course of events, bring comfort and consolation.”
Cardinal Pizzaballa recalled that in the past twelve months of war priests, religious men, and women along with volunteers have remained steadfast in serving those in distress, to provide relief and comfort, even at the risk of their lives.
He reiterated the Church’s firm commitment to rebuilding broken relationships and trust between communities and to resist the “logic of evil” that seeks to divide.
“We will not surrender to events that seem to drive us apart, but we will always seek to be thirsty builders of peace and justice,” he said, recalling the example of men and women of all faiths who, even though personally affected by the violence, have had the inner strength to forgive and not to give in “to the logic of hatred.” He expressed his hope that this “small remnant” might provide the starting point for rebuilding relationships.