Patriarch Pizzaballa appeals for support for Church's aid in Holy Land

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, appeals for financial support for his diocese as it reaches out to people in Gaza and others suffering the consequences of the war in the Holy Land.

By Lisa Zengarini

As the war between Hamas and Israel continues to wreak its devastating humanitarian toll in Gaza, Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa issued an urgent appeal on Friday asking for support to help the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reach out to all those affected.

"Charity and prayer animate the entire extended family of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, especially during times of extreme hardship," said the Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem.

War also causing economic hardships for many families

In the appeal, the Patriarch recalled that many lives were saved and much suffering was alleviated by the support offered during other recent crises in the region, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the Beirut port blast in 2020, and the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey this year.

In all of these situations, he said, “we heard and answered the cry of the poor.”

His message draws attention to the fact that, apart from death, destruction and hunger in Gaza, the war is also causing loss of jobs and economic hardships for many families elsewhere in the Holy Land, especially in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, along with other social issues.

Help us sow the seeds of hope

“We are facing a crisis that affects countless families from different religions and all our institutions including schools, hospitals and parishes,” said Patriarch Pizzaballa. “In Gaza, our material resources have been extended beyond our walls to include our suffering neighbours and to those who took refuge in other locations. We share practically everything from food and water to medicines and supplies."

“We have learned in this difficult time that to rebuild the physical world we must build and protect trust between people.”

His letter concludes with a plea for financial assistance for the Patriarchate's humanitarian aid to people in need.

“Please help us to make a concrete difference and to build the necessary environment so that, in this society scarred by hatred, we may again sow the seeds of trust, of hope and of love. Be assured of my prayer and gratitude for each of you!”

Details for donations may be found in the appeal.

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