His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patrirach of Jerusalem and supreme head of the Latin Catholic Church of Cyprus, has appreciated the financial donation for the children in Gaza, collected by the school children, teachers, and administrators of the Terra Santa College in Nicosia alongside their assurances of prayers for peace in the Holy Land and a handmade piece of art symbolizing peace.
The Latin Patriarch concluded his four-day formal visit to Cyprus on Sunday, November 19, the first since he was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis.
His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrived in Nicosia to pay a pastoral visit to Cyprus which took place, November 17-19, 2023.
During the visit, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa met with His Excellency President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace.
He also met with diplomats from various countries worldwide serving in Cyprus, with the authorities of the government, as well as with the ecclesiastical authorities of Cyprus, where they discussed the political situation of the Middle East and the role played by the Church there. He also met with all Latin and Maronite clergy and the consecrated at the Maronite Archbishopric, and celebrated Holy Mass at the Maronite Cathedral in Nicosia and a solemn Holy Mass at the Main Latin Church of Holy Cross in Nicosia.
Furthermore, Monsignor Pizzaballa expressed, during this pastoral visit, his deep sorrow regarding the ongoing war in the Holy Land, and said that the Church will have to play a big role in providing healing and support to communities amidst these injustices, hatred and violence. He also spoke about Cyprus and that it can be a help, by being a different light of hope for the Middle East and Europe.
