Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Theophilus III, Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, returned to the Gaza Strip on Monday, June 23, 2026, for their third visit in recent months. The Latin Patriarchate said the trip expresses the “pastoral responsibility” of both Churches toward Gaza’s Christian communities and the entire population, “where families continue to endure serious humanitarian suffering, fear, loss and uncertainty.”
They were joined by Josef D. Blotz, Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and representatives of Malteser International. The presence of the humanitarian agency highlights the ongoing commitment of faith-based groups to healthcare, relief work, and protecting human dignity in Gaza.
During the visit, both leaders brought prayers from Jerusalem to Gaza’s wounded and suffering. The Latin Patriarchate described it as a “ministry of consolation, mercy and firm Christian witness rooted in the Gospel.” At Gaza’s only Catholic church, the Latin parish of the Holy Family, Theophilus III and Cardinal Pizzaballa were welcome with applause from parishioners and shouts of joy from children, according to Vatican News.