Christians in Holy Land Fear Losing Homes and Livelihoods, Warn Papal Agency

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Christian communities in the West Bank, where he celebrated Mass on the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During his visit to Taybeh and Jenin, he assured local Christians that the Church will not abandon them amid growing concerns over their safety and livelihoods.

An Israeli order issued in July declared “the area of Taybeh and Rimon” a closed military zone, restricting entry for Israelis and foreign nationals. This designation includes part of Taybeh’s built-up area, agricultural land, and religious and historical sites. Taybeh, a village with a Christian population for over two millennia, remains the only Christian village in the West Bank, according to Monsignor Peter Vaccari, president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), a papal agency supporting Christians in the Middle East.

Vaccari described the situation in Taybeh as emblematic of the challenges faced by indigenous Christians in the region. He noted that the persecution of the Christian population has increased, with radical settlers engaging in actions that violate international law, such as defacing religious symbols and interfering with local businesses.

During his visit, Pizzaballa emphasized the importance of justice and dialogue, referring to the people of Taybeh as the “Christian voice, speaking out for justice.” In his homily, he urged the community to guard their hearts against despair and contamination, remaining steadfast in their commitment to justice.

Pizzaballa also expressed his faith in God, stating, “I may not have answers at the human and worldly level, but I believe in God.” His message aligns with the biblical call to seek peace and justice, as seen in Romans 12:18, which encourages believers to live in harmony and strive for reconciliation.

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