Originally published at The Catholic Thing
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, has called for renewed hope and solidarity in a region marked by violence, displacement, and despair. “The Lord’s Nativity is near, and as every year, despite everything, we want it to be a moment of peace, joy and hope,” Cardinal Pizzaballa said. “This year, the Nativity also marks the beginning of the Jubilee, a year dedicated to hope. We need hope in this land, marked by so much violence, hatred and wounded by contempt and fear.” The cardinal also called for new political leadership in the region to address the root causes of instability and enact changes on the ground.
