Patriarchs Call Gaza Crisis a 'Moral Catastrophe' After Pastoral Visit
Jerusalem church leaders bear witness to suffering, vow enduring presence with the oppressed.
JERUSALEM — In a rare joint press conference held this morning, His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, issued a powerful humanitarian appeal following their pastoral visit to Gaza.
Describing the territory as “a land pierced by the wounds of war,” Patriarch Theophilos spoke of the deep suffering endured by civilians amid ongoing bombardment, siege, and deprivation. He recalled encounters with survivors whose dignity, he said, bore witness to the image of God even amid devastation. Due to this, he issued a moral warning to those around the world:
"To the international community, we say: Silence in the face of suffering is a betrayal of conscience. To the whole people of Gaza, we the Church and her leaders stand in solidarity with you. And to all those who wield power, we echo the Lord's command: 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).'"
Both patriarchs lamented the destruction of sacred sites, including the Holy Family Catholic Church and the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios, and emphasized that the Church’s mission is not symbolic but rooted in concrete solidarity. His Beatitude emphasized that the Church came not only with words, but with action.
Cardinal Pizzaballa stated that the two hierarchs returned from Gaza with broken hearts, but were encouraged by the testimony of the people they met, with mothers preparing food for others and tents that have become homes for those who have lost everything. This served as a reminder that Christ is present in Gaza.
"He is crucified in the bodies of the wounded, present in every hand extended to help," he said.
Concluding their remarks, the church leaders decried the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian and moral catastrophe that demands international attention. They pledged that the Church would remain a steadfast witness to truth, hope, and the sanctity of life amid ongoing injustice.
Previously, UOJ reported that His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa made a joint visit to Gaza to be with their respective faith communities following the Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church.
