H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, began his visit to the Patriarchate of Venice on 8 July, hosted by H.E. Archbishop Francesco Moraglia, Patriarch of Venice. The two-day visit aims to strengthen the bonds of ecclesial fraternity between the Church of Venice and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, while drawing attention to the suffering of civilians and the challenges faced by Christian communities in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.
During his first engagement at the Patriarchal Palace in Venice, Cardinal Pizzaballa met with the city’s civil authorities, including Mayor Simone Venturini and Prefect Darco Pellos. The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss the current situation in the Middle East and the importance of continued support and solidarity with communities affected by the ongoing conflicts.
Later in the afternoon, Cardinal Pizzaballa will travel to Jesolo, where, at 6:30 p.m., he will preside, together with Patriarch Moraglia, over the celebration of Holy Mass in the parish church of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Piazza Trieste. Following the celebration, at 8:45 p.m., the Cardinal will participate in a public dialogue with the audience in Piazza Mazzini, where he will speak about the reality of the Church in the Holy Land, his 26 years of pastoral experience, as well as the challenges and hopes connected with building a better future for the region.
On Thursday, 9 July, Cardinal Pizzaballa will return to Venice, where he will celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Health in the Salute complex. The celebration will be open to the faithful, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, lay associations, and members of the city’s religious communities. Following the Mass, he will meet with the Patriarchal Seminary and the clergy of Venice.
Through this visit, the Church of Venice and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem renew their commitment to mutual support, prayer, and solidarity, especially with the Christian communities living in the Holy Land.
