Cardinal Pizzaballa visits Christians in Gaza: ‘You’ll never be abandoned’

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III arrived in Gaza on June 22 for a pastoral visit to bring support to the region’s Christian community and others suffering from ongoing violence, displacement, and severe humanitarian shortages.

“We want to bring the greetings from all the churches in Jerusalem, and to bring also our prayer and our desire for support and unity,” Cardinal Pizzaballa told parishioners at Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, according to a video cited by The Times of Israel.

“We never abandoned you, and you’ll never be abandoned,” he added.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement that the visit reflects “the pastoral responsibility of the Churches of Jerusalem toward the local churches and toward the whole population of Gaza, where families continue to endure grave humanitarian suffering, fear, loss and uncertainty.”

According to the statement, the church leaders will meet with clergy, religious communities, local Christian families, and others affected by the crisis as part of their effort to offer “spiritual strength, comfort, and hope in the midst of deep suffering.”

The visit also included several humanitarian stops. According to a statement shared on X by the Latin Patriarchate, Cardinal Pizzaballa blessed the patriarchate’s kindergarten in Gaza, which is undergoing renovations, and thanked those helping restore the school. 

The patriarchate emphasized that there is “no future without education” and said the kindergarten’s renovation “represents an important step toward providing children with greater opportunities and building a brighter future for the community.”

Cardinal Pizzaballa also blessed a Sovereign Order of Malta clinic in Gaza City, established under a partnership between the Order of Malta and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The clinic, staffed by about 30 doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, will provide primary health care for up to 100 patients per day, according to a statement from the Sovereign Order of Malta. 

“Healthcare for the population of Gaza is currently in catastrophic condition,” Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Musaddar, the clinic’s medical director, said in the statement. “Violence continues despite the ceasefire. Sixty percent of healthcare facilities have been completely destroyed, and many others have been severely damaged.” 

Al-Musaddar added that “nearly the entire population has been repeatedly displaced” and is dependent on aid.

“They are arriving here sick, exhausted, and deeply traumatized in urgent need of help,” he said.

The visit comes as Christians and other civilians in Gaza continue to endure displacement, insecurity, and severe shortages of basic goods despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October 2025. 

UNICEF said June 19 that 265 Palestinian children have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since the ceasefire was announced. Citing the enclave’s health authorities, UNICEF also reported that the overall death toll from Israeli fire since the ceasefire has surpassed 1,000. 

Cardinal Pizzaballa, who has repeatedly spoken out about the suffering of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, last traveled to Gaza before Christmas in 2025 to celebrate Mass at Holy Family Church. He also visited Gaza with Patriarch Theophilos III in July 2025 after Israeli tank fire struck the church and killed three people. Israel later said it “deeply regrets” that stray ammunition hit the church and said it does not target religious sites.

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