Cardinal Pizzaballa Urges Holy Land Christians to Embrace Cross as Way of Life

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, urged Christians in the Holy Land to view the cross not as a symbol of defeat, but as an expression of divine love and the triumph of life. Speaking on the eve of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, he called the faithful to embody this sign in their daily conduct, relationships, and communal life.

The patriarch made these remarks while presiding over Mass at Christ the Redeemer Church in Taybeh, a predominantly Christian town in the West Bank. He was joined by Bishop William Shomali, patriarchal vicar; Father Davide Meli; and Father Bashar Fawadleh, the parish priest, who concelebrated the liturgy.

Pizzaballa emphasized that Christ entered into suffering out of love for humanity. He described Christians as “people of the cross,” asserting that their identity should be mirrored in how they interact within families, parishes, and the broader community. He noted that while Christians need not seek out suffering, they are already surrounded by it in various forms, and such experiences can serve as openings for God’s presence.

Father Fawadleh welcomed the patriarch, stating that his presence was a sign of communion, consolation, and hope beyond mere participation in the feast. The celebration occurred while Taybeh continues to face significant challenges, including repercussions from attacks by Israeli settlers, restrictions on movement, and the requirement for Israeli permits for Palestinians to enter Jerusalem.

The town also contends with declining employment opportunities and continued emigration, pressures that place additional strain on its residents. These conditions highlight the ongoing humanitarian and social difficulties faced by Christian communities in the region, where daily life is marked by both faith and hardship.

Following the Mass, the faithful participated in a candlelight procession through the streets of Taybeh to the historic St. George Church, known locally as Al-Khader. There, prayers were offered, pomegranates were blessed and distributed to participants, and the traditional feast day flame was lit, marking the culmination of the evening’s observance.

The call to live out the cross as a way of life resonates with the biblical theme of peace and reconciliation, as seen in Romans 12:18. In a context marked by restriction and strain, the community’s witness is rooted in the conviction that love and self-giving remain central to their identity, even amid the realities of displacement and limited access.

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