WCC NEWS: Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pizzaballa arrive in Gaza for pastoral visit

His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine and Jordan, and His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, arrived in Gaza on 22 June for a pastoral visit. They are accompanied by His Excellency Dr Josef D. Blotz, grand hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, together with representatives of Malteser International. Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pizzaballa. Photo: Higher Presidential Committee of Church Affairs in Palestine 23 June 2026 The visit expresses the pastoral responsibility of the churches of Jerusalem toward the local churches and toward the whole population of Gaza, where families continue to endure grave humanitarian suffering, fear, loss and uncertainty. The presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III and His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa carries the prayer of Jerusalem to Gaza’s wounded faithful and to all who suffer, in a ministry of consolation, mercy and steadfast Christian witness rooted in the Gospel and in the sacred vocation of the Holy City. During their stay, they will meet with clergy, religious communities, local Christian families, and people affected by the continuing humanitarian crisis. Through prayer, personal encounter and pastoral presence, they seek to offer spiritual strength, comfort, and hope in the midst of deep suffering. News release from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pizzaballa arrive in Gaza for pastoral visit See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland