In a recent interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, discussed the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land between Hamas and Israel. He emphasized the importance of not giving up on peace despite the current challenging circumstances.
Benedetta Capelli – Rimini
Cardinal Pizzaballa stated, “We cannot talk about peace at this moment,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. As he prepared to speak at the opening conference of the Rimini Meeting, titled “A Presence for Peace,” he emphasized the need to work towards a ceasefire and initiate a healing process to rebuild trust between the conflicting parties.
Embracing “Small Hopes” for Peace
While acknowledging the bleak outlook in the short term, Cardinal Pizzaballa spoke about the importance of maintaining hope. He described “small hopes” that are driving the local Church to support the community through various initiatives like providing food, opening clinics, and restarting essential services.
Peace as a Culture
Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the role of everyone in fostering peace, stating that peace is a culture that requires collective efforts across all aspects of society. He stressed the need for political, educational, and media involvement to create a peaceful environment in a globalized world.
The Last Chance for Negotiations
During his conference at the Rimini Meeting, Cardinal Pizzaballa shared insights from his years of experience in the Holy Land and highlighted the significance of the current negotiations. He expressed hope that the ongoing talks would address key issues and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Despite the challenges, Cardinal Pizzaballa urged for prayers to counter hatred and mistrust, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding a harmonious future together. He called for dialogue between communities and religious leaders to create a more inclusive and understanding society.
In conclusion, Cardinal Pizzaballa underscored the need for unity and cooperation in facing the current crisis, urging all individuals to contribute to the restoration of peace in the Holy Land.
