Children in Gaza’s Holy Family Parish were filled with excitement and joy as they welcomed the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, on his pastoral visit on Dec. 19, 2025. The visit comes just days before Christmas and is a sign of solidarity with the small Catholic community in the Gaza Strip.
Accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali and a small delegation, Cardinal Pizzaballa’s visit is a symbol of hope and support for a community that has endured over two years of conflict and hardship. The parish has faced many challenges, including an accidental deadly attack on the parish compound last June, but has remained resilient in the face of adversity.
As the only Catholic church in Gaza, Holy Family Parish has been a beacon of light and a place of refuge for hundreds of displaced people, both Christians and Muslims, since the war began in October 2023. The parish has also been actively involved in humanitarian aid efforts and ongoing relief work to support those in need.
During his three-day visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa will assess the current situation of the parish and its community. He will meet with local clergy, led by parish pastor Father Gabriel Romanelli, and parishioners to listen to their needs and support initiatives. This visit is a testament to the patriarchate’s commitment to accompany its faithful in hope, solidarity, and prayer.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, the cardinal will celebrate an early Christmas Mass at the parish, marking the start of the festive season in a community that is still facing many challenges. Despite recent improvements under the fragile ceasefire, there are still restrictions on humanitarian efforts, making the cardinal’s visit even more significant.
In his remarks, Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed his relief at being able to visit the parish for the first time since the war began. He also praised the Holy Family parishioners for their strength and faith during this difficult period. The cardinal also brought good wishes from people all over the world, showing the unity and support of the global Catholic community for the parish.
During his visit, the cardinal emphasized the importance of rebuilding and staying rooted in Gaza. He assured the parishioners that they are not alone and that they have the support of the church and people from all over the world. “We will rebuild our schools, our houses, our lives,” he said. “We are rooted here, and we remain here. We want to be here.”
The Christmas season is a time of hope, love, and peace. And the visit of Cardinal Pizzaballa to Holy Family Parish is a reminder of these values. Despite the challenges and hardships faced by the parish, the spirit of Christmas remains alive and strong. The children’s joyful welcome and the festive decorations in the parish are a testament to this.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has also expressed its gratitude to the cardinal for his visit, which reaffirms the enduring bond between the Holy Family Parish and the wider diocese. The patriarchate also commends the parish for its resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us remember the people of Holy Family Parish in our prayers. Let us also be inspired by their strength and faith, and continue to support and stand in solidarity with them. May the visit of Cardinal Pizzaballa bring hope and joy to the parish and serve as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas – love, peace, and unity.