The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in Bethlehem, Palestine, where he encouraged the Christian community to look to the future with hope and not give in to hatred or violence. In his homily, the cardinal reflected on the challenges faced by the community, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the struggles of living in a land marked by poverty, insecurity, and violence.
Cardinal Pizzaballa drew inspiration from the Gospel, particularly the figure of the shepherds who listened to the angels and believed in the birth of Jesus. He also highlighted the example of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary, who lived in a time of imperialist domination and yet chose to trust in God. The cardinal emphasized that the Holy Family’s faith was not one of resignation, but of hope and trust in God’s plan.
The Patriarch urged the community to follow the example of the Holy Family and to look to the future with hope, rather than giving in to the language of violence and hatred. He expressed his solidarity with the people of Gaza and Bethlehem, who have been particularly affected by the conflict, and encouraged them to remain firm in hope and to trust in God’s presence.
Cardinal Pizzaballa concluded his homily by echoing the words of Pope Francis, who had declared the start of the Jubilee year the previous night. The Patriarch emphasized that the community is called to be “pilgrims of hope,” facing the challenges of the present with forgiveness and trust in God’s plan. He prayed for a true jubilee in the Holy Land, marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.