RAMALLAH, June 22, 2026 (WAFA) – The Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, Theophilos III, and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, arrived in the Gaza Strip on Monday for a pastoral visit.
The visit, described as a pastoral and humanitarian mission, also included Joseph D. Blotz, head of humanitarian and health affairs at the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, along with representatives from Malteser International.
The visit reflects the pastoral responsibility of the Churches of Jerusalem towards the local communities and all the people of Gaza, where families continue to face immense suffering, loss, pain, and deep anxiety about their future.
The presence of Patriarch Theophilos III and Patriarch Pizzaballa brings the prayers of Jerusalem to wounded Gaza and its suffering people, offering a service of solidarity and a steadfast Christian witness rooted in the Gospel and the spiritual message of Jerusalem.
During their stay in Gaza, they met with religious leaders and families to discuss ways to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The participation of the Head of Humanitarian and Health Affairs of the Order of Malta and representatives of Maltesers International reflects a shared commitment to humanitarian service stemming from a belief in supporting health care, relief work and the protection of human dignity in Gaza and throughout the world.
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