Amman, April 30 (Petra) Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has called for safeguarding the identity of the holy city of Jerusalem, preserving its religious and historical character, and respecting the rights of its residents.

He also urged intensified international efforts to protect the city and warned against imposing unilateral or exclusionary solutions.

Pizzaballa’s appeal came in a new pastoral letter issued by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, titled "On the Way of Living the Church’s Calling in the Holy Land." The letter marks a decade of his service in the region and combines spiritual reflection, biblical meditation, and a realistic assessment of the situation facing the Church and the wider region.

In his message, the patriarch offered a candid critique of current political and humanitarian conditions, noting that recurring crises in the region have peaked with the war in Gaza Strip. He pointed to consequences including displacement, rising poverty, and growing social fragmentation, warning that these crises are no longer temporary but have become an entrenched reality shaping life in the region.

He stressed the need to rethink how faith is lived and pastoral work is carried out, calling for long-term strategic approaches focused on social healing, justice, and fostering a culture of dialogue, rather than relying on short-term reactive measures.

Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media, Father Rifat Bader, said the letter provides both practical and spiritual guidance to help believers navigate current challenges. He noted that the Latin Patriarchate extends its spiritual jurisdiction across churches and institutions in Jordan, Palestine, Israel, and Cyprus.

Bader added that the letter does not overlook the political dimension, but addresses it with a tone that blends spirituality and critical analysis. Pizzaballa, he said, warned that developments in the region reflect a decline in the multilateral international order, amid increasing reliance on force and deterrence rather than law and dialogue factors that have fueled violence and deepened human suffering.

He also highlighted that Pizzaballa who began as Apostolic Administrator in 2016, became Patriarch in 2020, and was created a cardinal in 2023 warned against legitimizing war as a tool for occupation or coercion. The patriarch condemned the misuse of religious discourse or holy sites to justify violence or exclusion.

The letter underscores the need to reject violence as a final option, emphasizing that force cannot be a lasting horizon. It calls for adherence to international humanitarian law, while acknowledging clear shortcomings in its implementation on the ground.

According to Bader, the message originally issued in Italian and translated into Arabic also promotes what Pizzaballa describes as "humanitarian diplomacy," grounded in dialogue, proximity, and compassion rather than narrow geopolitical interests. He encouraged support for diplomatic efforts and international pressure aimed at protecting civilians and advancing just and comprehensive solutions.

The patriarch further urged the international community to assume its responsibilities in protecting Jerusalem and preserving its religious and historical identity. He stressed that any proposals concerning the city must respect the rights of local residents and ensure fair sharing of holy sites.

The letter also clarifies the Church’s role, noting that it is not a political actor in terms of power or interests, but rather a moral voice advocating justice and compassion. It remains engaged in humanitarian work across sectors including education, healthcare, and relief, while calling for inclusive and equitable political solutions.

Bader concluded that the letter comes at a critical time for the region, offering a critique of power-based policies and the erosion of international accountability, while advancing a clear call for a justice-based humanitarian diplomacy that preserves human dignity and protects Jerusalem’s unique identity.

//Petra// MF

30/04/2026 16:09:04