Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pizzaballa Arrive in Gaza for Pastoral Visit
JERUSALEM, 22 June 2026
His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine and Jordan, and His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, arrived in Gaza today for a pastoral visit. They are accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Josef D. Blotz, Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, together with representatives of Malteser International.
The visit expresses the pastoral responsibility of the Churches of Jerusalem toward the local churches and toward the whole population of Gaza, where families continue to endure grave humanitarian suffering, fear, loss and uncertainty. The presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III and His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa 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 stay, Their Beatitudes will meet with clergy, religious communities, local Christian families and people affected by the continuing humanitarian crisis. Through prayer, personal encounter and pastoral presence, they seek to offer spiritual strength, comfort and hope in the midst of deep suffering.
The participation of the Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and representatives of Malteser International reflects the enduring commitment of faith-based humanitarian service to health care, relief work and the protection of human dignity in Gaza.
