The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, issued a statement Oct. 9 hailing the news that Hamas and Israel have signed phase one of a peace deal aimed at returning hostages and prisoners and ending the violence in Gaza.
“It is good news, and we are very happy,” Cardinal Pizzaballa said. “It is a first step, the first phase. Of course, there are many others, and surely there will be other obstacles. But now we have to rejoice about this important step that will bring a little more trust for the future and also bring new hope, especially to the people, both Israeli and Palestinians.”
“Now we finally see something new and different,” he continued. “Of course, there will also be a new atmosphere for the continuation of negotiation, also for all the life inside Gaza that will remain terrible for a long time. But now we are happy and we hope that this is just the beginning of a new phase where we can, little by little, start thinking not about war, but about how to rebuild after the war.”
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed gratitude in the press release for the unwavering efforts from those who helped make this first step possible.
President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough step Oct. 8, stating that it means all hostages will be released soon and that Israel will withdraw troops “to an agreed upon line,” as CatholicVote reported.
In its Oct. 9 release, the Patriarchate noted the sensitivity of the moment and reiterated Pope Leo XIV’s call for Oct. 11 to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer for peace.
“May the Lord have mercy on the Holy Land,” it concluded, “and may He grant it peace.”
Cardinal Pizzaballa has consistently called for peace since the outbreak of the conflict in 2023 and continuously shared with his flock about the Gospel’s message of hope amid the suffering.
In an Oct. 4 message to his diocese, Cardinal Pizzaballa said: “Christ’s empty tomb — at which, more than ever in these past two years, our hearts have paused in anticipation of resurrection — assures us that pain will not last forever, that waiting will not be in vain, and that the tears watering the desert will make the Easter garden bloom. The faithful must continue seeking paths of forgiveness, truth, and reconciliation, where Christ’s peace will inevitably be encountered.”
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