Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, extends an invitation to Christians to embark on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, emphasizing that their presence fosters a sense of belonging among local residents within the universal Church. He remarked that the recent ceasefire represents a significant moment in the history of the Holy Land. Together with Fr. Francesco Patton, the Custos of the Holy Land, he encouraged Christians to plan their visits to this sacred region in the near future. He expressed gratitude to the universal Church for its unwavering support, prayers, and the solidarity demonstrated towards the Holy Land. The Patriarch called upon Christians globally to show their solidarity with the Holy Land, assuring them that Jerusalem is safe, particularly following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that commenced on Sunday.
He noted that the Holy Sepulchre is the source of hope, urging individuals to muster the courage to visit. Additionally, the Patriarch and the Custos of the Holy Land underscored the significance of pilgrimage to the land where Jesus was born, crucified, and resurrected. The arrival of Christians from around the world as pilgrims reinforces the small Christian community in the Holy Land, making them feel connected to the larger family of the Catholic Church and Christians worldwide.