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ISRAEL AT WAR - DAY 653

Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Orthodox Patriarch Theophilus III in Gaza City's Holy Family Church, July 18, 2025, a day after the church was damaged by a shell fired from a nearby Israeli tank (Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem)
July 18, 2025, 5:32 pm
Jerusalem’s highest-ranking Christian officials enter Gaza to visit church hit by IDF
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa brings aid to Strip with Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem; Netanyahu holds lengthy phone call with Pope Leo XIV
By Reuters and Lazar Berman
A view of the damage to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, after an Israeli tank shell hit the church, in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City on July 17, 2025. (Omar aL-Qattaa/AFP)
July 17, 2025, 4:32 pm
Three killed in strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church; Israel conveys ‘deep sorrow’
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem says several hurt at Holy Family Church including parish priest; Pope Leo expresses sadness; Italy condemns ‘unacceptable’ attacks on civilians
By Lazar Berman, Emanuel Fabian, Nava Freiberg and Agencies
Pope Leo XIV appears at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
May 13, 2025, 10:38 pm
President Herzog to attend Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration in Rome
New pontiff reaches out to the American Jewish Committee and Jewish Community of Rome to reaffirm his commitment to interfaith dialogue
By Rossella Tercatin and Reuters
Italian cardinal and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrives for the sixth congregation meeting at The Vatican, on April 29, 2025. (Andreas Solaro/AFP)
May 1, 2025, 3:23 pm
In Jerusalem, papal candidate Pizzaballa walks a fine line amid Gaza war tensions
Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, who has lived in city for decades, strives to maintain good relations with both Israelis and Palestinians but is realistic about challenges
By AFP
Christians gather at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem for a mass honoring Pope Francis on April 23, 2025. (Rossella Tercatin/Times of Israel)
April 23, 2025, 8:45 pm
At Jerusalem’s holiest church, Catholics mourn Pope Francis with solemn mass
Hundreds gather at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for prayers for the late pontiff led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, seen as a possible successor
By Rossella Tercatin and Reuters
Pope Francis stands at Israel's West Bank security barrier on his way to a mass in Manger Square in Bethlehem, May 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
April 23, 2025, 2:17 pm
Daily Briefing Apr. 23: Day 565 – Why pope’s final Gaza statements won’t heal rift with Israel
Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman on potential Jerusalem-based successor for Pope Francis, new proposal from Hamas for a 5-year truce and Ambassador Huckabee’s first declarations
By Amanda Borschel-Dan and Lazar Berman
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C) sprinkles holy water during the Easter mass at the Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem's Old City on April 20, 2025. (GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)
April 22, 2025, 7:56 pm
Latin patriarch of Jerusalem among candidates to succeed Pope Francis
Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa speaks fluent Hebrew, has lived in Israel for 30 years; was installed by Francis and will participate in the conclave
By Lazar Berman and Reuters
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa leads Christmas morning service at the Christmas morning Mass at the Catholic Church of Saint Catherine, in the Nativity Church Complex, in Bethlehem in the West Bank on December 25, 2024. (HAZEM BADER / AFP)
December 25, 2024, 5:50 pm
Bethlehem marks second subdued Christmas, amid pall of ongoing war
Latin patriarch, after visiting Catholics in Gaza, urges faithful in West Bank city to ‘not give up,’ as pope in Vatican laments ‘bombs on schools and hospitals’
By AFP and ToI Staff
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C) poses for a picture with people and children at the Holy Family Church in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City on December 22, 2024. (Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP)
December 24, 2024, 2:38 pm
Latin patriarch visits Catholic community in Gaza for second time since war’s start
Pierbattista Pizzaballa visits Holy Family parish in Gaza City, home to some 400 sheltering Christians, for an early Christmas Mass; reports worse conditions than he saw in May
By ToI Staff
A Christian worshipper addresses a member of the Israeli security forces barring the entrance in Jerusalem's old city that leads to the the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, amid crod size concerns as Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter Saturday, on April 15, 2023. (AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)
June 5, 2024, 8:34 am
Political climate sparks ‘notable increase’ in attacks on Israel’s Christians – NGO
Rossing Center report says authorities must do more to counter violence against clergy, pilgrims and church sites in Jerusalem and the Galilee
By Lazar Berman
A message in support of Gaza is displayed on a building next to the square of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on December 24, 2023. (HAZEM BADER / AFP)
December 25, 2023, 4:44 am
Faithful pray for Holy Land peace as Gaza fighting dampens Christmas spirit
Pope says his heart is with Bethlehem, where traditional celebrations are largely snuffed out; keffiyeh-clad Latin Patriarch tells Church of Nativity ‘ceasefire is not enough’
By Agencies and ToI Staff
French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Royal Jordanian Air Force's Prince Hassan Air Base (H5), about 117 kilometers northwest of the capital Amman, on December 22, 2023. (Ludovic MARIN / AFP)
December 24, 2023, 3:48 pm
Macron discusses ‘tragic situation’ at Gaza’s Catholic church with Latin patriarch
Military denies claim that snipers killed two women on parish grounds, where hundreds are sheltering from war; French president offers condolences for deaths
By Agencies
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa (center) and other religious figures meet with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (right) at the French consulate in Jerusalem, October 15, 2023. (ALAIN JOCARD / AFP)
October 16, 2023, 9:41 pm
Latin patriarch of Jerusalem says he would swap himself for Israeli hostages in Gaza
Asked by reporter, Pierbattista Pizzaballa says he would do ‘anything’ to free captive children; FM Cohen slams Vatican for initial Latin Patriarchate response to Hamas massacre
By Agencies and Lazar Berman
Orthodox Jews filmed spitting at Christian tourists in the Old City of Jerusalem on October 2, 2023. (Screen capture/Twitter)
October 3, 2023, 2:44 pm
Video showing fresh Haredi spitting attack on Christians draws wide condemnation
No comment from church or police on latest incident of harassment of non-Jewish pilgrims in Jerusalem’s Old City; former Knesset aide claims spitting ‘an ancient Jewish custom’
By Lazar Berman
Italian Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa (R) is elevated cardinal by Pope Francis during a consistory to create 21 new cardinals at St. Peter's square in The Vatican on September 30, 2023. (Filippo Monteforte/AFP)
September 30, 2023, 11:41 am
Jerusalem Latin Patriarch among 21 new cardinals anointed by Pope
New appointees expected to help Francis reform church and cement his legacy; Latin Patriarch Pizzaballa says nomination will ‘raise the voice of Jerusalem’
By Nicole Winfield
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