Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos III visited Gaza after an attack on the only Catholic parish. The cardinal described witnessing the 'nonsense' of the war and the 'wonderful humanity' of the people. Recent reports highlight the dire situation of hunger in Gaza, with many people killed while trying to get food. The cardinal emphasized the Church's help is extended to everyone, regardless of their background. The cardinal stated that seeing men waiting for hours for a meal is a humiliation that is morally unacceptable and unjustifiable.
5 months ago
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, recently visited Gaza following an attack on a Catholic parish 1. They described a landscape of "devastation" with widespread ruins and tents serving as homes for displaced families, yet also noted instances of "wonderful humanity" 1.
The Cardinal personally witnessed the severe hunger crisis, observing men waiting for hours for basic meals, which he deemed a "humiliation" and "morally unacceptable and unjustifiable" 1. This aligns with United Nations reports indicating that by July 13, 875 people had been killed in Gaza while attempting to obtain food, with incidents occurring near both private and UN-partner aid distribution points 1.
The Church, through its hospitals, shelters, schools, and parishes, provides aid indiscriminately to all residents, including Christians, Muslims, believers, doubters, refugees, and children 1. Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized that humanitarian aid is critical for survival, stating that its refusal is "a sentence" 1. He expressed support for all humanitarian organizations, whether local or international, Christian or Muslim, religious or secular, who are risking their lives to provide assistance 1.
The Patriarchs called for an immediate end to the conflict, prioritizing the "common good of people" over continued warfare 1. They appealed to regional and world leaders, stressing that a future built on captivity, displacement, or revenge is unsustainable 1. Cardinal Pizzaballa reiterated Pope Leo XIV's plea for adherence to humanitarian law, protection of civilians, and the prohibition of collective punishment, indiscriminate force, and forced displacement 1.
Looking beyond the immediate conflict, the Cardinal highlighted the necessity of a "long journey" towards "genuine, painful and courageous reconciliation" between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples 1. He articulated that true peace requires forgiveness and transforming past wounds into wisdom, rather than forgetting them, to achieve not only political but also human peace 1.
How does the Church respond to human suffering and injustice?
The Catholic Church responds to human suffering and injustice by recognizing their origins in sin and actively working for relief, defense, and liberation through various means, including charitable works, social doctrine, and spiritual solidarity with the suffering .
The Church understands human suffering and injustice as consequences of original sin, which introduced a "wounded nature inclined to evil" into humanity . This inherent contradiction in human beings leads to selfishness, violence, and the formation of "structures of sin" in society . The entire creation groans under this futility, yearning for liberation . While suffering is a mystery, it is illuminated by the mystery of Christ, who reveals the meaning of human existence .
Jesus Christ's ministry was characterized by a profound concern for the sick and those in need, healing various ailments and identifying himself with the "least of his brethren" . Following Christ's example, the Church considers it a duty and privilege to stand by suffering individuals and to nurture a preferential love for the sick and the poor . This preferential option for the poor is not exclusive but manifests the Church's universal mission, encompassing not only material poverty but also cultural and spiritual forms of deprivation .
The Church's response to human suffering and injustice is multifaceted:
In summary, the Church's response to human suffering and injustice is rooted in its theological understanding of sin and redemption, manifested through active charity, advocacy for social justice, and a profound spiritual solidarity with those who suffer, all animated by the example and mission of Jesus Christ.