Latin Patriarchate Welcomes Announced Agreement to End Gaza Attacks and Exchange Hostages and Prisoners

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has welcomed the announcement of an agreement that envisages a cessation of attacks in the Gaza Strip, the immediate release of hostages, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. In a statement dated October 9, 2025, the Patriarchate said it welcomed the announcement with joy and hoped the accord would be fully and faithfully implemented, so that it might mark the beginning of the end of what it called a terrible war.

The Patriarchate also stressed the absolute urgency of immediate humanitarian relief and the unconditional entry of sufficient aid to Gaza’s suffering population. It framed these needs alongside its prayer that the agreement might open a path of healing and reconciliation for both Palestinians and Israelis, a step toward peacemaking between the two peoples (Matthew 5:9).

His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, described the announcement as good news. “It is a first step, the first phase. Of course, there are many others, and surely there will be other obstacles,” he said. He added that the step could bring “a little more trust for the future and also bring new hope, especially to the people, both Israeli and Palestinians.”

Cardinal Pizzaballa acknowledged that conditions inside Gaza would remain difficult for a long time, and that the agreement would create a new atmosphere for continued negotiations. “We are happy and we hope that this is just the beginning of a new phase where we can, little by little, start thinking not about war, but about how to rebuild after the war,” he said.

The Patriarchate commended the work of all those involved in the negotiations and expressed appreciation for their tireless efforts in making this step possible.

In this sensitive time, the Patriarchate called on everyone to join it in the Day of Prayer for Peace declared by Pope Leo XIV for October 11. “May the Lord have mercy on the Holy Land, and may He grant it peace,” the statement concluded.

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