Latin Patriarch reflects on Middle East crisis

Image: LPJ/Vatican Media

Source: Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

During a panel discussion in Rome titled: 'Is Peace Possible? The Middle East Crisis,' Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem emphasized that, from a political standpoint, a ceasefire is currently unlikely.

However, he noted that it's not unattainable and must stem from a cultural shift that begins in schools, fostering trust gradually.

Addressing the common misconception that equates "peace" with a "solution," Cardinal Pizzaballa, emphasized the need to remain hopeful about finding "creative" avenues toward a ceasefire, which is still "not impossible."

He shared his views on the complex conflict in the Middle East during a panel discussion titled "Is Peace Possible? The Middle East Crisis," held at the Sanctuary of San Salvatore Lauro in Rome as part of the St Pio of Pietrelcina feast. Among the attendees were Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti and newly elected Civil Defense head Fabio Ciciliano, while Vatican media's editorial director, Andrea Tornielli, moderated the event. He opened by referencing Pope Francis's remarks upon returning from his extensive trip to Southeast Asia and Oceania, where the Pope noted a lack of progress toward peace regarding the Gaza conflict.

Tornielli also highlighted alarming reports indicating over $2 trillion spent on weapon manufacturing in 2023 alone, and he noted a troubling shift in political rhetoric, where the use of nuclear weapons has become less taboo.

The discussion centered around the question, "Is peace possible?" Minister Giorgetti likened the images from the Middle East to the suffering experienced by the biblical figure Job. He stated, "The conflict is so persistent that it feels eternal. We must not accept the mindset that war is unavoidable." He emphasized that those with good intentions must engage in dialogue to foster peaceful coexistence. Additionally, the minister noted that the ramifications of the conflict inevitably impact the global economic community and its political dynamics.

Pizzaballa began by discussing the recent tensions between Israel and Lebanon. He noted, "The northern front has always been volatile; this isn't new, but the current situation echoes back to 2006, when the Israeli army entered Lebanon." He described how Hezbollah has ramped up its attacks on Israel since the onset of the conflict, with operations continuing in a "more or less controlled manner" until recently. This new phase of heightened intensity, which started even before the recent military operations, has been marked by rocket launches from Lebanon targeting Haifa and subsequent Israeli responses. "It's challenging to discern the true intentions of each side," the Jerusalem Patriarch stated, adding that there are many accusations and announcements, making it hard to differentiate reality from rhetoric. He observed that both sides seem intent on delivering a "lesson" to each other in an effort to appease their populations.

On the West Bank, clashes are ongoing and creating significant tensions. Pizzaballa emphasized that the "hatred" resulting from the attacks is hindering the peace process, leading to a continually "explosive" situation. While it's not a repeat of "Gaza 2," the circumstances remain challenging. In contrast, the hundreds of Christians in the Strip find themselves in a somewhat "privileged" position, sheltering in churches. They have a communal kitchen that provides meals twice a week, supplemented by the humanitarian aid that arrives. However, the cardinal noted serious hygiene issues and the risk of diseases like polio, particularly among children. Regarding negotiations, Pizzaballa stated that efforts have been ongoing with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, but they are not yielding results. "We always seem close to a solution, yet peace remains elusive," he said. Nevertheless, he believes it's essential to keep "working," as any effort that fosters even a small amount of trust is significant.

As the anniversary of the October 7 attacks approaches, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem referred to that day as an "unexpected" event that occurred just when the Middle East seemed on the brink of stabilization. He noted that the Israeli population is still deeply affected by those tragic events, stating, "We are still in the peak phase of the conflict, but we need to rethink our language, criteria, and perspectives." Regarding the possibility of a ceasefire, Cardinal Pizzaballa cautioned against equating "peace" with a "solution." He remarked, "In this context, it makes little sense to discuss it. Currently in Israel, the focus is on winning, and peace is not viewed as victory. This is a major misunderstanding, not just in the Holy Land."

However, peace remains always possible, "since it is a choice." The cardinal elaborated on this by explaining that "political peace, involving an agreement between two parties, is currently absent. However, this does not mean it is unattainable. Right now, institutions are paralyzed, and diplomacy is not significantly impacting the conflict. Yet, society is made up of more than just institutions; there are other vital components." He emphasized the importance of those in the voluntary sector, who are active through various channels in the Holy Land, "with whom we can collaborate. If I've learned anything this year, it's that we must prepare for peace. It," he stressed, "is a product of culture and needs to be nurtured in schools, starting from the grassroots level, to create opportunities that gradually rebuild trust."

"Cities can be rebuilt," Tornielli noted, but more difficult is "to eradicate the hatred that has been created in children and new generations." Precisely within that process, according to Pizzaballa, interreligious dialogue will prove decisive, which does not "necessarily mean loving each other" but finding ways to live side by side. "There will be a need for witnesses, as things do not change on their own. It takes courage, maybe sometimes even facing loneliness." The conversation then shifted to the concept of "forgiveness." "It is not easy to talk about it now. On a personal level there are wonderful testimonies of forgiveness, but on a public level there is a need for different dynamics. These are complex and difficult topics, but they require witnesses capable of bringing these attitudes into public reflection. As Christians, we should be prepared for this. Even if we are few in number, we must be able to see beyond our immediate circumstances."

In closing, attention was drawn to the language employed in these sensitive contexts, which is often overly simplistic. Even online, "very harsh words" are frequently used. In this context, the memorable words of Don Tonino Bello were quoted: "War begins when the face of the other dissolves."

Translated by the Media Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, from the Vatican News website.