The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, receives a quiet, wary request for an interview, aware that time is not on his side. A fresh outbreak of violence has shattered the fragile balance between Israelis and Palestinians, testing a delicate social fabric that has long kept a large Christian minority safe in a region where faith, politics, and history collide. In this moment, his most visible mission is to safeguard roughly 280,000 Christians living in the area. The task is not simple. Most of these Christians are Palestinian, and they have faced ongoing friction with Israeli authorities after a series of harassment and assaults by settlers in recent months. In the interview, he speaks with measured urgency: “Yes, but this is not the moment to argue”, a reminder from a man who has lived in the region since 1990 and was recently elevated to cardinal by the pope. His priority, he adds, is clear: keep weapons quiet and protect lives.
What is the situation of Christians now? Were there any deaths after the Hamas attack? Are there any Christians kidnapped?
The local Christian community is coping under pressure. Some foreign workers have died in the chaos, including at least five Filipinos. Two others are still unaccounted for and are believed to have been abducted by attackers linked to the conflict, though the exact motives and locations remain unclear. Amid the confusion, the full scale of the danger is difficult to determine from here, and information continues to emerge slowly.
A small Christian community lives in Gaza. Do you know how and where they are?
In Gaza, the Christian presence numbers about a thousand, predominantly Orthodox, with around 150 Catholics among them. Approximately 50 families are gathered within a Latin community complex connected to a church and school, while others are dispersed across the territory. They face a strict siege and curfew that restricts movement, and many are protected in place while dangers outside persist. Some have already faced displacement or loss as the conflict reshapes daily life.
Most Christians are Palestinians, right?
Yes. Roughly 130,000 Christians live in Israel, with about 45,000 in the Palestinian territories. Adding immigrant populations brings the total to a still-influx figure, reflecting a community spread across borders and generations, many deeply rooted in the land they call home.
And are churches still open?
Churches remain open and active, serving as touchpoints of continuity and resilience even amid disruption. Worship and community life continue where authorities allow, underscoring the importance of faith as a pillar of daily endurance for Christians here.
In its statement following the Hamas attack, Israel’s embassy in the Vatican accused the Jerusalem patriarchs of having an “ambiguous” stance.
The patriarchs acknowledge that issuing statements during a fast-moving crisis can appear ambiguous to observers. The timing of comments can shape perceptions, especially when atrocities become clearer with time. The leader stresses there is no justification for violence, and condemns Hamas’ actions as deeply harmful. At the same time, he emphasizes the need for clear, balanced dialogue and persistent voices for peace, even when tensions run high.
You’ve been here since the 90s, have you ever seen the extreme violence of these days?
Never before has he witnessed violence of this scale in the region. He never expected to see the level of bloodshed that has been compared to the worst of Syria or Iraq, a stark shift that reshapes how people live and relate to one another on street corners, in shops, and along quiet boulevards.
It’s a very complex question: How did we get here?
Several intertwined factors have brought the situation to this point. The Palestinian people have waited for decades for a meaningful answer and relief that has not arrived. Living conditions, both economically and socially, are dire for many, and religious extremism is spreading in ways that narrow horizons for a peaceful future. Israel’s actions, sometimes seen as shortsighted, further constrain prospects for Palestinian advancement. International dynamics also influence the path forward, complicating efforts to find lasting solutions.
What do you see on the street right now?
A mood of deep mistrust hangs over everyday life. People report fear in ordinary acts—shopping, commuting, even the simple ritual of greeting a neighbor. The standoff between Israelis and Palestinians colors every interaction, shaping a social atmosphere founded on suspicion, rather than shared daily routines.
In the weeks and months leading up to this war, Christian community leaders warned that attacks by Israeli settlers would continue. Do you fear that this war will further radicalize such fundamentalism?
The risk exists on both sides. A climate of mutual distrust can feed violence and radicalism, and staying vigilant about such trends is essential. The possibility of increased radicalization, driven by fear and retaliation, remains a real concern as the conflict persists.
Can it affect Christians?
As noted, the majority of Christians in the region are Arab, and their safety is closely tied to the broader stability or instability of Israeli-Palestinian relations. The course of the conflict will inevitably influence their communities, worship life, and the ability to move and connect with families across borders.
What is your biggest concern?
After the destruction, the larger worry is rebuilding relationships that have frayed. Material losses can be repaired, but the deeper wounds between communities, trust broken by fear and violence, require time, dialogue, and genuine commitments to coexistence.
What can the international community do?
The priority is to ease tension wherever possible. Diplomatic efforts, humanitarian access, and credible mediation can create space for safety and relief. Support for civilian protection and a culture of dialogue helps prevent further harm and paves a path toward sustainable peace.
What about the Pope?
The Pope shares a similar aim but faces narrow margins in influencing a volatile situation. His approach is to keep dialogue open, engage with different diplomatic and political leaders, and encourage reasoned, constructive conversations that can edge toward reconciliation.
Have there been any attempts to open a communication channel with the parties involved in the conflict?
Direct answers on communication channels are not readily available here. The hopeful note remains that back-channel and formal discussions continue in various venues, with delegates seeking to reduce violence and build understanding where possible.