Orthodox and Catholic Patriarchs of Jerusalem call for an end to the war

Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pizzaballa at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

On July 22, 2025, a joint press conference was held at the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The church hierarchs issued an appeal to world leaders to end the war in the Gaza Strip, release prisoners, and embark on a genuine path toward peace and healing, according to Orthodoxia News Agency.

The meeting followed their pastoral and humanitarian visit to the Gaza Strip – an event of great significance, coming 21 months after the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel. The patriarchs personally visited Christian holy sites damaged by attacks and met with local residents enduring harsh conditions.

During the press conference, Patriarch Theophilos emphasized that the Church continues its ministry among the suffering, bringing them hope. He urged the global community not to remain silent in the face of suffering and reminded authorities of Christ's words: “The mission of the Church in times of tragedy is to minister, to be present, to stand beside the afflicted, to defend the sacred right to life, and to bear witness to the undying light that has been swallowed by inhuman darkness. This is nothing less than the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself,” he said.

The Jerusalem Patriarch added: “To the international community we declare: silence in the face of pain is a betrayal of conscience. To all the people of Gaza we proclaim: the Church and her pastors stand in solidarity with you. And to all those in positions of power, we remind you of the Lord’s commandment: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God’ (Matt. 5:9).”

Cardinal Pizzaballa called on the international community for an immediate ceasefire: “The time has come to put an end to this senselessness and this war… Every delay in humanitarian aid is a matter of life and death.”

A day earlier, on July 21, a session of the Holy Synod of the Jerusalem Patriarchate was held under the chairmanship of Patriarch Theophilos. The hierarchs prayed for the victims of the war in Gaza, expressed their support for the families of the deceased, and offered gratitude to the clergy who remain with their flock amid the conflict.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem had visited Gaza.

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