Cardinal Pizzaballa and Orthodox Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem visit the Gaza Strip

The two patriarchs, accompanied by Josef D. Blotz of the Order of Malta, made a pastoral and humanitarian visit to Gaza to show that their concern for the area remains a priority.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Theophilus III, Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, All Palestine, and Jordan, undertook a visit to the Gaza Strip on June 22, as announced by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The visit of the two heads of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches in the Holy Land expressed, according to the statement, the “pastoral responsibility” of their respective Churches toward the Christian communities of Gaza but also “toward the whole population” of this territory, “where families continue to endure grave humanitarian suffering, fear, loss and uncertainty.”

The patriarchs were accompanied on their visit by Josef D. Blotz, grand hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, as well as by representatives of Malteser International, the orderʼs humanitarian agency.

Their presence “reflects the enduring commitment of faith-based humanitarian services to healthcare, relief work, and the protection of human dignity in Gaza,” the statement noted.

Furthermore, the statement said the presence of both religious leaders “carries the prayer of Jerusalem to Gaza’s wounded faithful and to all who suffer, in a ministry of consolation, mercy and steadfast Christian witness rooted in the Gospel and in the sacred vocation of the Holy City.”

During their time in Gaza, the leaders visited the cityʼs only Catholic church, the Latin rite parish dedicated to the Holy Family where, according to Vatican News, Theophilos III and Pizzaballa were welcomed with applause from the faithful and joyful cheers from the children.

After an initial greeting and a prayer led by the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, Pizzaballa expressed his joy at being able to look into the eyes not only of the parishioners and those living in the vicinity of the church, but also of all the inhabitants of that suffering city.

The situation, the cardinal said, is difficult but the presence of Church representatives demonstrates their concern for Gaza, which remains a priority.

In addition, they held meetings with the clergy, religious communities, and “local Christian families and people affected by the continuing humanitarian crisis,” according to the statement.

Through these encounters, they “seek to offer spiritual strength, comfort, and hope in the midst of deep suffering,” they said. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem emphasized that the presence of Theophilos III and Pizzaballa “carries the prayer of Jerusalem to Gaza’s wounded faithful and to all who suffer.”

This is the third such visit in the past year; Pizzaballa previously visited the Strip in July and December 2025.

The humanitarian work of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza has recently been recognized. On June 12, in the presence of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, they were awarded the Antonio Feltrinelli International Prize by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei — one of Italyʼs most prestigious scientific and humanitarian awards. Iyad Twal, patriarchal vicar for Jordan, accepted the prize on behalf of Pizzaballa.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.