Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) – This morning, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III arrived in Gaza for a pastoral visit.
This visit follows a similar one that the two patriarchs undertook together in Gaza in July last year, demonstrating the deep unity of Christians in the suffering that the Strip has been enduring for years now as a result of the war.
On this occasion, Pizzaballa and Theophilos III are accompanied by Dr Josef D. Blotz, Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, along with representatives of Malteser International, the humanitarian aid organisation promoted by the historic chivalric order.
“The visit,” reads a statement issued by the Latin Patriarchate, “expresses the pastoral responsibility of the Churches of Jerusalem towards the local Churches and towards the entire population of Gaza, where families continue to endure severe humanitarian suffering, fear, loss and uncertainty. The presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III and His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa brings the prayers of Jerusalem to the afflicted faithful of Gaza and to all those who suffer, in a ministry of consolation, mercy and steadfast Christian witness rooted in the Gospel and in the sacred vocation of the Holy City.”
During their stay, the patriarchs will meet with the clergy, religious communities, local Christian families and those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Through prayer, personal encounters and pastoral presence, they aim to offer spiritual strength, comfort and hope in the midst of profound suffering. Among the first meetings this morning was one with the children attending the summer camp at the Latin parish of the Holy Family, alongside the parish priest, Fr Gabriel Romanelli, and the Sisters of the Incarnate Word.
The presence of the Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and representatives of Malteser International aims to reinforce the commitment that this institution has been carrying out in Gaza since 2024 through the channels of the Latin Patriarchate, distributing non-perishable food and essential goods to the local population in need, in order to safeguard the dignity of every person.
Efforts are now focusing primarily on primary healthcare for the population, which remains one of the most serious problems in the Strip more than six months after the official entry into force of a ceasefire that remains highly precarious in some areas.
Just two days ago, UNICEF released figures showing that 265 Palestinian children have been killed in Israeli attacks and more than 400 children injured since the ceasefire came into force on 10 October.
Hence the importance of the gesture made today: Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa blessed an Sovereign Order of Malta clinic in Gaza City, where a staff of around 30 people—including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—will provide primary healthcare services to up to 100 patients per day.
“Healthcare for the population of Gaza is currently in catastrophic condition,” said Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Musaddar, the clinic’s medical director. “Violence continues despite the ceasefire. Sixty percent of healthcare facilities have been completely destroyed, and many others have been severely damaged.” Sanitation and hygiene conditions are extremely poor. “Skin diseases are spreading,” Dr. Al-Musaddar added. “Nearly the entire population has been repeatedly displaced and is dependent on humanitarian aid. People arrive here sick, exhausted, and deeply traumatized, in urgent need of care.”
“The blessing of the clinic by the Latin Patriarch on the eve of the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Order, celebrated on June 24, marks a historic milestone,” said Josef Blotz, Grand Hospitaller of the Order, responsible for the charitable and medical activities of the Sovereign Order of Malta. “More than nine hundred years after our foundation in the Holy Land, we continue to serve people in need regardless of their religion or origin. This clinic will provide life-saving medical care to those in need and show them that they have not been forgotten. We are actively working to expand our commitment under these extremely challenging circumstances.”
