JERUSALEM, Friday, March 11, 2022 (WAFA) – The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced today the appointment by Pope Francis of Fr. Jamal Daibes and Fr. Rafic Nahra as Auxiliary Bishops for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

“With gratitude and joy I announce to you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has designated Fr. Jamal Deibes and Fr. Rafic Nahra as Auxiliary Bishops for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem,” Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said in a letter.

he added, “Fr Jamal and Fr Rafic, both born and raised here in the East, have exercised priestly ministry for many years and have now been called from the very bosom of the Mother Church to be Successors of the Apostles with the mandate to teach, govern and sanctify the People of God.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, earthly Jerusalem and heavenly Jerusalem join in prayer and celebration for these brothers of ours who have been elevated to episcopal dignity. In the name of the entire Latin Patriarchate, I wish the Bishops-elect every success and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, I invoke upon them the blessing of Almighty God. Given in our Patriarchate on 11 March 2022, the Memorial of Saint Sophronius.”

M.N