Christians must be allowed to stay in the Middle East!

“States have to change their perspective. It’s not about focusing on the number of Christians, but on the value that the presence of the Christians adds.”                         Cardinal Bechara Raï, patriarch of the Maronite Church In a statement to Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the patriarch of the Maronite Church, Cardinal Bechara …

Situation in Gaza still “very bad,” says priest. “No one is talking about rebuilding”

For three months, Gaza received no aid convoys, which meant that the parish had to ration the resources it had to feed the Christians within and some of the families that live nearby. The situation in Gaza, in the Holy Land, continues to be “very bad” according to Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, who is responsible for …

“One more day of war won’t solve the situation”

Parish priest of Holy Family in Gaza to Aid to the Church in Need Fr. Gabriel Romanelli says that living with 500 people in a closed compound is not easy, but that the Christians in Gaza consider themselves fortunate to have survived thus far and to be able to help thousands of other families in …

“Thank you for keeping the Christian presence alive in Jerusalem”

Life in Jerusalem’s Old City is difficult for the Christians who continue to live there, many of whom are poor. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has been providing help to struggling families through projects carried out by the Latin Patriarchate. The Old City of Jerusalem is a magical place to visit, with its …

Churches cry foul as tax war flares up again in Israel

Last February, the heads of Christian Churches in the Holy Land have officially protested against a renewed attempt to force them to pay certain taxes in the State of Israel. The most pressing case at the moment is related to the Armenian Church, but there are many cases involving Catholic institutions. The patriarchs and heads …

Bailasan: a balm for mental health issues in the Holy Land

The Bailasan Counselling Centre is the first Catholic psychosocial and mental health institution aimed exclusively at helping the Christian community in the West Bank. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) funded the renovation work at the centre and recently spoke to those whose job it is to care for a population suffering from a …

Pope Francis: A Call That Brings Comfort!

We are sharing with you a video received from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (LPJ). The parish priest of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, even he is very sick! Photo: Candles and drawings at the foot of the statue of John Paul II at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where Pope …

Gaza ceasefire: reaction of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land (ACOHL)

The Catholic Ordinaries of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (LPJ) have reacted to the ceasefire in Gaza. Please click on the link below to read an unofficial French translation, on the Patriarchate’s website. The official version is available in English and Italian. https://www.lpj.org/en/news/declaration-of-the-catholic-ordinaries-on-the-ceasefire-ingaza2025 Thank you for continuing to pray for lasting peace in the Holy Land. 

Nativity Mass in Gaza Strip

To the great joy of Latin Catholics in Jerusalem gathered at the Holy Family Church in Gaza, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Eminence Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, presided—exceptionally on December 22—the Mass of the Nativity of Our Lord. ✝️ “Today, in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you” ✝️ In communion …

The Church wants to offer a joyful Christmas in Gaza and elsewhere in the Holy Land

More than one year after the war began, Pope Francis continues to phone the Catholic parish in Gaza every day and has become a grandfather figure to the children, says Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The Latin patriarchate of Jerusalem continues to give as much support as it can to the small Christian community in Gaza, as …