Cardinal Pizzaballa visits beleaguered Christian town

The Byzantine Church of Saint George in Taybeh - Image Vatican Media

Source: LPJ, Vatican Media

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed his solidarity with the people of Taybeh during a visit to the small Christian village in the West Bank on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to preserve the Church's presence here, at every level, throughout the Holy Land," he said. during Mass at the Latin Church of Christ the Redeemer in Taybeh.

"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," the Cardinal said.

Welcoming the Patriarch at the beginning of Mass, Taybeh parish priest Father Bashar Fawadleh said that the village had welcomed him "among his people and in his home."

According to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the pastor described the Cardinal's presence as that of a father standing beside his children in difficult times.

Father Bashar also said that Cardinal Pizzaballa's presence reminded the community that it is not alone and that the Church stands alongside its children, carrying with it "the cross and the hope of this land."

Cardinal Pizzaballa described the Feast of the Assumption as "a fruit of the Resurrection" and said that Mary teaches Christians to look at reality "with divine eyes," rather than according to human calculations.

He then connected this message directly to Taybeh, encouraging its people to remain rooted in faith and hope even when circumstances make the future difficult or seem impossible.

The Patriarch also 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 Father Bashar.

The Patriarch's visit took place against the backdrop of an Israeli order issued recently declaring "the area of Taybeh and Rimon" a closed military zone, prohibiting Israelis and foreign nationals from entering or remaining there.

The designated area includes part of Taybeh's built-up area, agricultural land, and religious and historical sites.

The order has also raised questions about access to Taybeh for pilgrims, visitors, journalists, volunteers and other foreign nationals.

Cardinal Pizzaballa said that what is happening in Taybeh is increasingly becoming known beyond the town itself.

With this in mind, the Patriarch insisted, "Your example is important, so that we can continue to be a Christian voice amid this very complex situation."