‘We Are Still Here’: Catholic Patriarch Leads Christmas Mass at Gaza Church Damaged During War

The most senior Catholic cleric in the Holy Land delivered a message of resilience and hope as he led Christmas Mass at a church in Gaza City that was damaged during the war.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the Holy Family Church in Gaza City on Sunday, marking his fourth trip to the enclave since Israel launched its military campaign there. It was his first visit since a deadly Israeli strike hit the parish in July.

Speaking to worshippers, Pizzaballa acknowledged the dire conditions facing Palestinians across Gaza, urging them not only to survive but to rebuild their lives. He told congregants that while global powers may seem to determine Gaza’s future, it is ultimately the people themselves who will shape what comes next.

Pizzaballa encouraged Palestinians to hold onto hope, saying that the spirit of Christmas represents light, tenderness, and growth, even after years of war and loss. He emphasized that despite the destruction, the community remains.

The visit comes as survival challenges continue in Gaza, more than two months after Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-led ceasefire. Ongoing Israeli fire, restrictions on aid, food insecurity, and recent flash floods have worsened conditions in the enclave. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023.

CNN footage from the church showed Christmas decorations, ringing bells, and the baptism of a baby, symbolizing new life and hope. For many worshippers, the Mass was a rare moment of comfort.

Eleven-year-old George Bisan told CNN he remains traumatized by the July attack on the church and shared his wish to reunite with family abroad and live in peace. Others said visits by faith leaders provide strength to communities living through ongoing violence and loss.

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