Cardinal Pizzaballa: ‘We will not surrender to hatred’

By Lisa Zengarini

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, sent a letter to Pope Francis conveying the “most sincere gratitude” of Catholic leaders and all Christian faithful in the Middle East for his closeness and compassion.

During the Day of Prayer for World Peace and Fasting that he called on the anniversary of the Hamas massacre in Israel and the devastating war that followed, the pope also addressed a letter to the Catholics of the region, expressing his closeness to the “little defenseless flock” of the Holy Land “thirsty for peace”.

Need for empathy with all those who suffer from war

In his letter, published Friday by the Vatican newspaper “L’Osservatore Romano”, Cardinal Pizzaballa thanks the Pope for this “beautiful gesture of closeness and affection” and also for being “the only world leader” who recognizes the ” human suffering of all” reminding us of the need “not to lose our humanity”, even in these tragic circumstances.

Referring to the Day of Prayer for Peace in which Catholic communities in the Holy Land and around the world participate, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem stressed that these “weapons of love” are the Church’s response “to distrust which seems to be spreading more and more. “In this context of deeply rooted hatred,” he said, “there is a need for empathy, gestures and words of love which, even if they do not change the course of events, bring comfort and consolation.”

Cardinal Pizzaballa recalled that during the last twelve months of war, priests, religious men and women as well as volunteers remained determined to serve those in distress, to bring relief and comfort, even at the risk of their own lives. life.

Do not resign yourself to hatred and work to restore trust

He reiterated the Church’s strong commitment to rebuilding broken relationships and trust between communities and resisting the “logic of evil” that seeks to divide. “We will not give in to events that seem to divide us, but we will always seek to be builders thirsty for peace and justice,” he declared, recalling the example of men and women of all faiths who , even if they are personally affected by the crisis. violence, had the inner strength to forgive and not give in “to the logic of hatred”.

He expressed the hope that this “small remainder” could constitute the starting point for a reconstruction of relations.

Military strategies will only breed future violence

Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the Church’s determination to continue advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities, echoing Pope Francis’ call for new global leadership with a new vision for the Middle East. East, because military strategies will not bring peace.

“Indeed, violence will only breed more violence, create more hatred among younger generations and further fuel the various forms of fundamentalism that have tormented and hampered our region for too long,” he said.

Instead, the letter argued for investments in education and development to give future generations hope and a stable environment in which to thrive.

We know we are not alone

Once again, Cardinal Pizzaballa promised that the Church would continue to speak out on behalf of the voiceless, offering support to all who need it.

“We know that we are not alone and that you stand with all those suffering from the ‘madness of war,’” the letter concludes.