In a heartfelt statement at the opening of a press conference on his recent pastoral visit to Gaza, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem spoke of the deep sorrow and steadfast faith witnessed amid the ongoing suffering in the region.
Addressing “beloved brothers and sisters in Christ” and the gathered press, Patriarch Theophilos invoked the compassionate example of Jesus Christ, who “walked among the sick and the sorrowful” and taught that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
Reflecting on the mission alongside Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and devoted clergy, the Patriarch described their journey “as servants of the suffering Body of Christ,” moving among “the wounded, the bereaved, the displaced, and the faithful whose dignity remains unbroken despite their agony.”
He shared moving impressions from Gaza: “There, we encountered a people crushed by the weight of war, yet carrying within them the image of God.” At sites like the Church of the Holy Family and the monastery of Saint Porphyrios, he witnessed “both profound grief and unyielding hope.” Citing Saint Paul, he said, “We knelt in prayer beside the afflicted and laid our hands upon those yearning for comfort, guided by the words of Saint Paul: ‘Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ’” (Galatians 6:2).
Emphasizing the Church’s role in times of devastation, Patriarch Theophilos declared: “The Church’s mission … is rooted in the ministry of presence, of standing with those who mourn, of defending the sacredness of life, and of witnessing to the light that no darkness can extinguish. This is none other than the presence of Christ Himself.”
Turning to the international community, he issued a solemn warning: “Silence in the face of suffering is a betrayal of conscience.” He expressed unwavering solidarity “to the whole people of Gaza” and addressed those in power with a reminder of Christ’s teaching: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Concluding with a call to authentic love and action, he quoted the Christian tradition: “Let us not love with words or speech alone but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18), urging that “this moment be a summons to conscience,” and praying that “the mercy of God guide every hand that seeks to mend what has been torn.”
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
