The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is making a three day visit to Gaza to assess the situation at the Holy Family Parish Church, the only Catholic Church in the region.
The church has been providing support and shelter since the October 7th attacks in 2023. Hundreds of displaced people have taken refuge in its confines and in July this year, three people were killed and ten others injured, including the priest Fr Gabriel Romanelli, after the church was hit by tank fire.
On his arrival, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and a small delegation were greeted by children at the church, some of whom were wearing Santa hats.
He praised the parishioners and brought greetings from people around the world. And he encouraged them with hope for the future:
“We will rebuild. We will rebuild our schools … our houses … our life.
“We are rooted here and we remain here. We want to be here.”
During his visit, the Cardinal is holding a Christmas Mass, as well as reviewing the humanitarian situation and ongoing relief efforts.
Around 1000 of Gaza's 2.2 million inhabitants are Christians.