The Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has stated that Israel’s reasons for its military action “cannot in any way justify what is happening in Gaza,” calling the response to the October 7th attacks “disproportionate.”
In an interview with Agenzia Sir, the Patriarch acknowledged that the situation is not black and white and that Israel has its reasons, which are subject to political instrumentalization. However, he insisted that “a real disproportion” exists and that this must be acknowledged, even at a personal cost. “I am paying the consequences and the price, also in terms of relationships and friendships,” he said, adding that he is “heartbroken” by “all the hatred.”
As a result, Patriarch Pizzaballa has canceled a planned Jubilee visit to Motta di Livenza, Italy, to remain with his diocese. Explaining his decision from Jerusalem, the Catholic leader expressed his regret at canceling but stated that leaving at this time did not seem appropriate. “The people need to know that I am here. In conscience, I do not feel I can leave the diocese,” he said.