Latin Patriarch leads Christmas mass in Gaza

The patriarch arrived in Gaza as part of his annual Christmas visit to assess the situation of Christians following two years of Israeli attacks. Dozens of Latin Catholics attended the service as the Dec. 24–25 holiday approaches.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa announced on Sunday, Dec. 21, the start of this year’s Christmas celebrations during a mass at the Holy Family Church in eastern Gaza, which will be limited to prayers due to the ongoing conflict, Anadolu reports

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Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa announced on Sunday, Dec. 21, the start of this year’s Christmas celebrations during a mass at the Holy Family Church in eastern Gaza, which will be limited to prayers due to the ongoing conflict, Anadolu reports

The patriarch arrived in Gaza as part of his annual Christmas visit to assess the situation of Christians following two years of Israeli attacks. Dozens of Latin Catholics attended the service as the Dec. 24–25 holiday approaches.

The Latin Patriarchate said the visit symbolizes hope for a community enduring hardship.

Pizzaballa noted the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals, calling for efforts to rebuild and restore life in Gaza.

Churches that once hosted festive decorations and large Christmas trees now stand damaged after repeated strikes.

READ: WHO chief warns progress against famine remains ‘extremely fragile’ in Gaza

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