Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, call to safeguard the community in Taybeh
“We will continue to do everything in our power to preserve the Church’s presence here, at every level, throughout the Holy Land, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem said during Mass in Taybeh on the Feast of the Assumption.
“I may not have answers on a human or worldly level, but I believe in God. And I am certain that, in Him, we can continue to bring life, even here in Taybeh,” Cardinal Pizzaballa said.
The Patriarch’s visit took place against the backdrop of an Israeli order issued last July declaring “the area of Taybeh and Rimon” a closed military zone, prohibiting Israelis and foreign nationals from entering or remaining there.
Taybeh has been subjected to numerous attacks and acts of arson by Israeli settlers, including shootings, fire arson that damaged an ancient church, and destruction of trees. Video footage shows settlers riding through properties of Christian families on all-terrain vehicles, shouting at and harassing the residents. Children are especially frightened during these scenes.
Welcoming the Patriarch at the beginning of Mass, Taybeh parish priest Fr Bashar Fawadleh said that the village had welcomed him “among his people and in his home.”
The patriarch stressed that preserving the Christian presence requires guarding the heart against fear, despair and the effects of difficult circumstances.
“But we want to remain a community that gives birth to life, without giving up our rights, our right to life,” he said. “So be courageous. Do not be afraid.”
Cardinal Pizzaballa also said that he is following developments in Taybeh closely through regular messages and updates from Fr Bashar.
Pope Leo appeals for peaceful resolution
Following the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV once again called for an end “to the repeated acts of violence against the Palestinian population of the West Bank.” The Holy Father added an urgent appeal to the international community “to ensure that progress is made toward a two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace.”