In the Holy Land, despite a sense of despair, the belief in the resurrection of Christ endures, as asserted by the Cardinal.
In a significant show of support, a French delegation of high-ranking clergy visited the Holy Land from August 16 to August 20. Led by Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the current president of the French bishops' conference, the visit aimed to express solidarity with the local Christian community and demonstrate support for "all the friends of peace."
Prior to their journey, the French bishops recognised the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and the need for the release of the Israeli hostages. They issued a press release, urging for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
During their visit, the delegation met with church leaders in Gaza, including Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Gaza Holy Family Parish priest. Despite the uncertain situation, Father Romanelli expressed inner strength and confidence. The churches in Gaza, while reported to be okay, are situated amidst an intensified fighting and military campaign by Israel.
The French bishops were supported primarily by Christian communities such as the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates in Jerusalem, along with local Catholic churches like the ones in Gaza that have served as refuges for civilians during the conflict. These churches provide shelter for women, children, and disabled people amid the unrest. Church leaders issued urgent warnings against military actions and called for peace.
Cardinal Aveline emphasised the need to navigate the deep and unbreakable bond between the Christian and Jewish faiths amid today's complex political realities. He also highlighted the unique responsibility of the church toward the Mother Church of Jerusalem, given its historical significance.
The delegation visited the West Bank Christian village of Taybeh, where they met with the priests of the Latin, Melkite Catholic, and Greek Orthodox churches. However, extremist Israeli settlers have become increasingly violent against the village of Taybeh.
The French bishops also made a pilgrimage to Bethlehem, where they sadly noted the almost complete absence of pilgrims. Cardinal Aveline urged a gradual return of pilgrims as the situation allows it, emphasising the impact on the local economy and the importance of ecclesial solidarity.
Cardinal Aveline's visit to the Holy Land was not just a demonstration of solidarity, but also a learning experience. He stated that the French and other European churches will bring back their reflections and what they learned from the visit.
In his visit, Cardinal Aveline expressed admiration for the Latin patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and his "patience and courage" and "will to tell the truth without ever allowing any expression of truth to harm the dignity of a person." The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in Gaza City.
As the conflict continues, the churches in the Holy Land remain a beacon of hope and peace, providing shelter and support to those in need. The French bishops' visit serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment of the international Christian community to stand in solidarity with the local Christian community in the Holy Land.
