Summary
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed his pessimistic view on the situation in Gaza during a speech at the Church of San Francesco a Ripa in Rome. He stated that there is no immediate solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians due to deep wounds, weak leadership, and lack of understanding between the two sides. Pizzaballa highlighted the unprecedented nature of October 7, when Hamas launched an attack followed by Israel’s retaliatory war. Regarding the Trump administration’s “Board of Peace” project aimed at protecting major powers’ interests without acknowledging Palestinian rights, he expressed concern. He emphasized that peace and reconciliation are insufficient without concrete actions to rebuild trust, advocating for opportunities for encounter and cultural contexts fostering different perspectives on conflict resolution. Pizzaballa also mentioned his willingness to offer himself in exchange for hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of religious leadership during such times. His speeches have transcended centuries as a sign of unity, similar to St. Francis who united people through faith.
Key Topics
Gaza War, St._Francis, Board_Peace
