JERUSALEMn e w s l e t t e r

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Latin Patriarchateof Jerusalem

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LATIN PATRIARCHATE PRINTING PRESSBEIT JALA – 2014

EditorialNumber 29

JaNuary 2014

The young Frenchmanwith suitcase in hand

Three years ago, a young Frenchman arrived in Jerusalem, slender and smiling, accompanied only by a suitcase. In Paris he left his promising work as a journalist, his group of friends, theater company, family, everything. He accepted a proposal to work in the media-communications office of the Latin Patriarchate. A jump into a world heretofore unknown to him: the Mother Church of Jerusalem, based in the Middle East, where peoples, religions, languages, cultures and histories of thousands of years converge. A world to discover, to learn, to interpret and to communicate.

The Patriarch, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, in January 2011, entrusted to Christophe Lafon-taine the task of organizing and leading a team to take care of communications. With the means and the people available, some of them willing novices in the field, the dynamic Frenchman cre-ated a close-knit group, where each one con-tributed, received their assignment, assumed their own responsibility, and learned from other.

The website was enriched with content. It was completely renewed with graphics and structure, and translated into seven languag-es. The topics are numerous, ranging from re-marks of the Patriarch to the latest news of the diocese, from regional news to church world events, analysis, news, reports, photographs, interviews, appointments, reports, press releas-es, speeches.

Readership increased: over the three years, daily visitors increased tenfold and passed the historic figure of 1 million. Gradually the Latin Patriarchate website became a serious authori-tative reference, recognized and cited by both Catholic media worldwide and by regional news agencies.

Thanks to the patient team work of staff members, some hidden but no less valuable, the voice of the Patriarch and the Church found an effective channel. It can be felt, spreading its message of peace and justice, evangelizing and forming the consciences of its readers and those who are interested in listening and learning.

The new man-ager, affectionately called the MEO (Media Executive Officer), did not just develop the web-site and print, to the control room, he is a professional commu-nicator. He managed to simplify the dioc-esan bulletin, and to publish a more lively and rich monthly newsletter. It summarizes, in an attractive format, the main news features that pass the desk of the editor-in- chief.

In this way, the many friends of the Church in Jerusalem from around the world are updated regularly. The Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and other benefactors find confirmation of their generous contributions reflected in the project reports published in the newsletter. Pilgrims, casual visitors passing by the Patriarchate, can bring home the latest printed issue to leaf through. The next issue will be the 30th!

Many challenges await the media team in the year ahead. At the end of May 2014, one of the most important event will be the visit of Pope Francis, a communications giant. The style of our work will continue on the path already traced. With humility, loyalty, dedication, and lis-tening to each other, the team can be even more enriched and improved.

But January 2014 not only ushers in a new year or new office. The young Frenchman, with the tuft of hair and the look and strength of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati of the Third Order of St. Dominic, has repacked his suitcase. This time, however, he is no longer alone. Delphine, his wife, and their new-born daughter, Victoire, are ready to leave Jerusalem. He will bring his enthusiasm and professionalism to a new envi-ronment.

We who have had the good fortune to work with him, and you loyal readers who have been following him on these pages, heartily wish him all the best wherever the Lord calls him. Thank you Christophe !

Andres Bergamini

P a G e 2 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

Diocese: Holy Land News

“Sign of Peace”agreement to revive the Dead Sea

An agreement was signed on Monday, December 9, 2013, between Israel, Palestine and Jordan in Wash-ington. It plans to provide the Dead Sea with water, the level of which is dropping dangerously low, threaten-ing the ecosystem and agriculture of surrounding ar-eas. This agreement could have ecological repercus-sions, but mainly political.

Among the disputed points between Israel and its neighbours is the problem of water. Really, like “blue gold”, water is a scarce commodity in the country. Rain-fall, coming late this year, is not sufficient to irrigate a land that is slowly becoming a desert, and a complete lack of water contributes to the continuous lowering of the Dead Sea. In 50 years, the Sea area has shrunk by one third, 300 million cubic meters of water evaporate yearly, and the water level has dropped by 30 meters since 1960. A strip of dry land can now be divided into two basins. Matters under discussion include intensive pumping of soft water from the Jordan to irrigate crops and evaporation organized by salt companies. For farmers, but also for politicians, having water is no lon-ger simply an objective fact, but is a national issue and, in the case of the Dead Sea, has taken on an interna-tional dimension.

In an effort to forestall an alarming situation which threatens ecosystem and agricultural productivity, Jor-dan, Palestine and Israel to the three countries surround-ing the Dead Sea to have thought of this agreement. For 11 years discussions have been underway, but did not seem to succeed until agreement was reached and signed on December 9, 2013 in Washington. It expects to draw 200 to 300 million cubic meters of water an-nually from the Gulf of Aqaba, at the northern tip of the

Red Sea. Piped through 180 km long conduits, part of the water will be discharged directly into the Dead Sea, another part will be desalinated, and used for ag-riculture and daily needs.

An agreement that bodes well.

Several solutions have been proposed; but often only by Israel. But from this agreement signed between three countries, there is a real desire to unite around an issue that is an essential human priority, before be-ing considered a political issue. The Jordanian Minister of Water recalled that “without water, there will be no economic development, no employment”. His Pales-tinian counterpart followed in the same direction, not-ing that “notwithstanding our political problems we share the same issues linked to water shortage’.

Moreover, this agreement is a sign that discussions could be started and reached by three countries which, for many years, were set one against each other. “It of-fers a glimmer of hope on the possibility of overcom-ing other obstacles in the future”, said the Israeli Min-ister of Water. When talking about obstacles, he refers to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, for which a solution is still expected and hoped for.

Bishop Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, welcomed the news of the agreement and said it is “a sign of peace, and a precursory sign of peace, which should bring countries to an understanding.” That is what many hope for! Peace in the Middle East, like the waters of the Dead Sea, is of vital importance.

Pierre Loup de Raucourt

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Diocese: Holy Land NewsDays of Rain (and Blessings) over Jerusalem

Thanks to God! Rainfall was recorded during the night of the December 4/5 over Jerusalem. In the forthcoming weeks, further rainfall is expected from the South of Jerusalem up to Tiberias, passing through Haifa and Ramallah. Rainfall is rare, but when it pours, it overflows.

This year, the wintry climate came late in the Holy Land. The weather over the last weeks was more summer-like. Along with the dry weather, warm temperatures were recorded. Most November days recorded higher than average temperatures, the coastal plain more particularly having experienced the hottest month of November in 60 years.

It is to be remembered that the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem talked last week about “the threat of drought hitting the diocese”. According to the Water Information Center: Israel, Palestine, Jordan and even Cyprus are countries with extremely limited water resources. Desert weather makes water a most essential resource. Patriarch Fouad Twal called on the faithful of the Holy Land to “pray for God’s blessing, that He has mercy on us, that He takes care of our needs to more particularly water to and that He rids our land of the evil of dryness.” The first Sunday of Advent, December 1, was in fact dedicated to prayer and fasting to invoke rain’s blessing. Already back in Advent 2010, the Patriarch had asked the faithful to pray for the blessing of rain, at a time when the area suffered from a very dry season. The two Chief Rabbis Yitzhak Yosef and David Lau have also called for mass prayers at the Kotel (Western Wall), considering that the season is unusually dry in Israel when normally, at this time of the year, rainfall would cover the entire country.

The driest winter in half a century

According to figures released on Sunday, December 1, by Israel Meteorological Service, the current season is the driest in 55 to 70 years. Most of the measuring stations across the country have recorded less than 10 mms of rainfall for the month of November, compared to averages of 80 to 110 mms in the Northern hills, 70 to 85 mms along the coast and between 50 to 60 mms in the hilly central region and Northern valleys. Lack of rainfall is more pronounced in the North, where levels are the same as in the years 1946, 1962 and 2010. However, despite the lack of rain, as of December 1, the water level in the Sea of Galilee is one meter higher compared to the same period last year. This is attributed to abundant rainfall during last winter. It also rained in Amman today, but the coming days will have scanty rainfall. Jordan however is in dire need. The desert covers 92% of the Kingdom and continues to spread. This country is one of the driest in the world. Renewable water sources are used at a rate of 120%, involving the risk of drying up in the short term.

Christophe Lafontaine

Patriarch appeals to help Syrian refugeesThe Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, emphasizes the urgency of bringing help to Syrian

refugees. He also calls for the generosity of all to support the refugees, victims of a conflict which has exceeded 1000 days, and of the material hardships affecting their lives.

Following a period of drought and the month of November, the hottest in 60 years, the religious leaders of the three monotheistic religions in the Holy Land called on their followers to pray for rain. As rain came in early December, it is a blessing for both the land and its people.

However, this rainfall, because of its sudden intensity, brought challenges. A snow storm hit the Middle East during these last days of 2013, covering several countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine. Heavy snow fell over the area with a blessing for these countries even if, in part, it deprived people of electricity, material and medical help, and even food items.

In these days of harsh cold, there remains the alarming condition of the Syrian refugees who, according to UN sources, number close to 2 million in neighbouring countries of Syria. Nearly three quarters of these refugees have found shelter in Lebanon and in Jordan. Over 50% are aged under 17 years. The living conditions in the different refugee camps are extremely painful. Frequently, they are without electricity or drinking water. Additionally, there is a massive daily influx of Syrians, which impedes building of housing units and obliges people to face the cold under tents, sometimes on the floor covered with snow.

P a G e 4 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

Pastoral and Liturgical Life

The Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew Speaking Catholics has published the fifth volume of the children’s catechism. This volume is entitled “Getting to Know the History of Salvation”.

We are delighted to announce that the fifth volume of our catechism for children has been published. It is entitled “Getting to Know the History of Salvation”, and it joins the other four volumes already in print: “Getting to Know the Messiah” (2009), “Getting to Know the Church” (2010), “Getting to Know the Feasts” (2011) and “Getting to Know the Mass” (2012).

The book consists of 77 pages and is magnificently illustrated by Gianpaolo Derossi, who also illustrated the volume of the mass. The book focuses on the wonders that God performs for His children in the history of salvation, stretching from the creation of the world until end of time. Each of the fifty chapters focuses on one verb that describes God’s action. The book is divided into four major parts: the history of humanity (Genesis 1 – 11); the history of the people of Israel (the rest of the Old Testament); the history of Jesus Christ (the Gospels); the history of the Holy Spirit acting in the Church. Special thanks are due to the staff of the Latin Patriarchate Printing Press and especially to its managing director, Mr. Mounir Hodaly, for their tireless and professional work which has produced this beautiful volume. In addition, we wish to heartily thank the Italian organization that works so hard to support the Church in the Holy Land, “Fondazione Giovanni Paolo II”, which contributed generously towards the publication of the book allowing us to distribute the book to our children.

We hope to publish a family prayer book next year that can be used by Hebrew speaking Catholic families at home.

Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew Speaking Catholics in Israel

Fifth children’s catechism book published in Hebrew

Twelfth meeting of the Migrant Pastoral CoordinationOn Tuesday, December 3, 2013, those involved in the Catholic

Church’s pastoral with migrants met in the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Present at the twelfth meeting were those working among the Filipino, Indian, Eritrean/Ethiopian and Rumanian migrants as well as those working in the Prison Chaplaincy and among the Bedouin. Also present were the parish priests of Eilat and Tiberias and representatives of the parish priests of Haifa and Jaffa. The meeting was animated by the coordinator of the Pastoral among Migrants, Father David Neuhaus, Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew speaking Catholics.

The meeting began with a moment to reflect on Pope Francis’s address at letter for the International Day of Migrants and Refugees to be held on January 19, 2014. The first part of the meeting first focused on the presentation of new members of the coordination: Father Medhin from Ethiopia, serving the Geez rite Catholics from Eritrea and Ethiopia, Sisters Clarice and Dinesha from Sri Lanka and Father Ivo, rector of the Salesian Theologate. There was then an exchange of news about the past three months from each of the twenty five participants.

The Beatitude Community gives thanksOn Sunday, December 15, 2013, the Community of the Beatitudes headquartered in Emmaus Nicopolis celebrated its 40 years of presence in the Holy Land and its 20 years of presence on one of the probable sites of the encounter between Jesus and the two disciples of Emmaus on the evening of the Resurrection. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem, concelebrated by Bishop Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar for Israel, neighboring priests, and the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Latrun.

Newly elected Superior of the Little Family of AnnunciationOn November 24, Father Tommaso Bernacchia (Abouna Touma) was elected the new superior of the male branch of the Little Family of the Annunciation in Italy. Father Tommaso entered the Little Family of the Annunciation in 1976, and was sent directly to Jericho for 4 years. In 1981, he celebrated his religious profession in Jerusalem. In 1983, he was sent to Jordan to begin, with a few brothers and sisters, the Monastery of Main, and remained there continuously for thirty years until today.

First Sunday of Advent Mass in Abu GoshThe Monastic Community of Abu-Gosh extended an invitation to participate in the Mass on the First Sunday of Advent celebrated by Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Auxiliary Bishop for Israel, on December 1, 2013 in the Church of the Resurrection in the presence of Mr. Hervé Magro, Consul General of France in Jerusalem

Church of Jerusalem ordains five new deaconsFive new deacons were ordained on Sunday, December 8, 2013 by Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem at the seminary in Beit Jala. On that day, the five new deacons formally joined the Diocese of Jerusalem.

Two new Franciscan deaconsThe Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, celebrated the Mass of diaconal ordination of Brother Luai and Brother Benjamin on Sunday, December 15, 2013, in the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem still covered with snow.

Each one shared the events and encounters that shaped the past few months to the great benefit of one and all. The discussion then focused on a series of themes: new laws concerning the asylum seekers and migrants; report back on the end of the Year of Faith celebration in Nazareth on November 17, 2013 in which many migrants participated; discussion of upcoming Church celebrations for the World Day of Migrants; continuing efforts to prepare for the sacraments - baptism, confirmation, marriage; answering the questions set in preparation for the Synod in 2014 on the family; the presentation of the new catechism book in Hebrew on the History of Salvation; preparing for Christmas and announcing the times of celebrations. Finally, at the end of the meeting, a word of thanks was said to Father Arnie, who has served the Filipino community in Haifa as he will be returning to the Philippines after three years in Israel. The next meeting was fixed for the month of March 2014.

Saint James Vicariatefor Hebrew Speaking Catholics in Israel

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Our Diocese and the World

Dear friends and faithful of the Holy Land,

Christmas leads the eyes of the world to look towards Bethlehem. It is from here, in the midst of conflict and violence, tearing our Middle East apart, that the mystery of Christmas gently rises and spreads throughout the world. At this time, we cannot forget the inhabitants of Syria, and among them the refugees in our neighboring countries, as well as all those around the world, who suffer in body and spirit. I think especially of our Filipino migrants who live and work in our diocese, in Israel, Jordan and Cyprus, whose families are deeply affected by the devastation caused by the deadly typhoon in the Philippines last month. To you, our journalist-friends, thank you. We continue to rely on your willingness to report to the world the news from the Holy Land, so that what happens here is not forgotten. While the world’s attention has shifted from the situation in the Holy Land to the tragedy in Syria, it must be stated that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains crucial to the region and is a major obstacle in the development of our society and stability in the Middle East. With this in mind, I want to draw your attention to important events of the past year, with happy and difficult events. This is an opportunity to plan and prepare for the coming year.

1. The Holy See

I was present at the Installation Mass of Pope Francis in Rome on March 19, and had the opportunity to meet him a few more times thereafter. He cares about the Holy Land and the Middle East. His statements clearly express that the Holy See maintains a consistent interest for our region. Before all the Patriarchs and Archbishops of the Eastern Catholic churches gathered in Rome on November 21, Pope Francis expressed his “great concern”, urging us “to not resign ourselves to an East without Christians.” Concerning the economic agreement that is about to be concluded between Israel and the Holy See, I repeat that the Ottoman Empire, the British, Jordan and Israel for more than twenty years, have respected the status quo, which included tax exemptions for Churches. Now Israel wants to introduce changes. Paying a little more or a little less is not the core of the issue. What is the important thing is not to ‘touch’ East Jerusalem, as it is still on the negotiating table. We do not want these agreements to have a political implication that changes the status of East Jerusalem, which was occupied in 1967.

2. Life in the Mother Church

Our Diocese concluded the Year of Faith on November 17 in Nazareth, in a celebration attended by about 7,000 faithful from the Holy Land and outside. We thank the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for providing the infrastructure and logistical support, which contributed to the success of this event.

This summer, we had the joy of sending 120 of our young people from the Holy Land to the World Youth Days in Rio de Janeiro.

3. Political Situation

The situation in the Middle East is becoming more complex and dramatic. The scenarios in Syria and Iraq can be repeated elsewhere, as seen in Egypt and Libya. The instability affects everyone, but especially our faithful who are tempted to emigrate.

In Gaza our people are suffering from the effects of the embargo imposed by Israel and even Egypt. To prevent the conflict from spreading in the whole region, a ‘sustainable’ ceasefire in Syria should be immediately established

Patriarch Twal’s Christmas Message

P a G e 6 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

and prevent any entry of outside weapons. As the Syrian problem cannot be resolved by the force of arms, we call on all political leaders to assume the responsibility for finding a mutually acceptable political solution that will end the senseless violence, and uphold respect for the dignity of people. You are all witnesses to the suffering of victims and Syrian refugees, especially during this cold winter season. The Latin Patriarchate expresses its gratitude to Caritas Jordan and all humanitarian organizations for their solidarity with these poor people. The Israeli-Palestinian talks resumed in late July, after three years of interruption. But the efforts are hampered by the continuous building of Israeli settlements. As long as this problem is not resolved, the people of our region will suffer. The verdict on the Cremisan process in April 2013, approving the continuation of the construction of the separation wall, as well as the demolition of a house of the Latin Patriarchate in East Jerusalem a few weeks ago, are signs of a worsening situation and do not in any way facilitate the peace process. A fait accompli by force cannot become a source of a new law. We submitted the case to the Israeli courts. On the other hand, on December 16, the European foreign ministers have promised that the European Union will provide “unprecedented” political, economic and security support to Israelis and Palestinians, if both parties succeed in concluding the peace agreements. It is a good reason for hope.

4. Ecumenism and interreligious dialogue

Catholics of the Holy Land (with few exceptions) celebrated Easter on May 5 this year, together with the Orthodox. Unification of the date of Easter is not easy, but it is a first step towards complete unity and this requires efforts from everyone. An International Summit on "The Challenges of Arab Christians," was convened by the King of Jordan on September 3 and 4 in Amman. No less than 70 patriarchs and heads of Christian communities in the region participated. They studied and discussed the negative impact from the Arab spring and had the courage to call for a necessary amendment to the constitution of Arab countries, so that Christians can feel at home like all other citizens, with all the inherent rights and duties. We condemn all forms of religious fundamentalism. We realized that in our Diocese this year, there has been an increase in acts of vandalism carried out by extremists that affected some twenty holy places or places of worship.

5. Priorities and projects of the Patriarchate

To build peace and to deal with the extremist currents with a prophetic spirit, the Catholic Church runs 58 schools in Palestine, 20 in Israel and 40 in Jordan, including universities and institutions run by religious congregations. The American University of Madaba was inaugurated on May 30 this year, in the presence of the King of Jordan, members of his government and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches representing the Holy See. In February and March, the keys to the 72 apartments of the new Beit Safafa residential complex were handed over to the residents. This housing project aims to provide residences in order to discourage the emigration of our people.

6. Agenda 2014

Upcoming events for next year include:

- The Pope’s visit to the Holy Land planned for next May, first in Jordan then in Israel-Palestine.

- A visit to our Christians in the Diaspora in the United States in July 2014;

- The Extraordinary Synod on the Family to be held in Rome from October 5 to 19, 2014, with the theme: "The pastoral challenges facing the family in the context of evangelization."

7. Conclusion

In closing, together with my Bishops and Vicars here present, priests and the faithful of Holy Land, I raise my prayers to God, that Christians, Jews and Muslims may find in their common spiritual heritage, their shared values in order to end injustice, oppression, ignorance and all evil acts that destroy God’s gift to

us – the dignity of the human being. May the Infant Jesus give peace to all peoples of the region. Have a joyful Christmas. Thank you.

+ Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

l o v e t h e h o ly l a n d a n d b e l o v e d P a G e 7

To read more, please visit www.lpj.org :

•HomilyJanuary1,2014thePatriarch(January1,2014)

•ChristmasHomily2013Patriarch(December24,2013)

•ChristmasMessageoftheHeadsofChurchesinJerusalem(December20,2013)

•Fr.Neuhaus:"InSouthAfrica,Ilearnedtoresistinjustice"(December18,2013)

•HomilyofBishopMarcuzzoduringtheconsularMassAbuGosh(December12,2013)

•GratitudeandChristmaswishestoallsolidarityorganizationsworkinginJordanandthe HolyLand(December17,2013)

•TheMinisterofForeignAffairsoftheVaticanvisitingJordan(November29,2013)

Renovation of the electrical system of the Church of Jaffa -NazarethThe Church in Jaffa-Nazareth required a complete reno-

vation of its electric system to give it more power. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem therefore decided to give priority to this project. The Jaffa-Nazareth Church, dedicated to St. John the Apostle, was built in 1889 by the Latin Patriarchate. The parish itself was founded by the Franciscans a little earlier in 1869. It is located 3km north of Nazareth, on the road to Haifa. While it was not a large city in 1889, it has since greatly ex-panded; schools were opened, and signs of population growth occurred on the outskirts of Nazareth. The parish Church was thus intended to accommodate more people, but with the pass-ing of time preparations were not made to do so. Since 1988 the vast Church has had no repairs. This is why the Latin Patri-archate decided not to delay renovating the electrical system. The sound and lighting systems, security and air conditioning systems and bathrooms all require change.

Two months ago, the first phase of the project, the com-plete renovation of the heating system of the Church, was ac-complished. A perilous undertaking since it required increas-ing the electrical power of the generator which previously did not allow even an extra light bulb.

For the pastor, Father Elias Tabban, and the whole com-munity, this initiative is great news. It brings a little warmth dur-ing the winter months that are wet and cold and has made ready access to the church, which was difficult before for long periods. Bishop Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar for Israel, visited the Church once the central heating was installed. He wel-comes the comfortable temperature which, he says, now per-mits the faithful and passersby to stop more often and longer to pray or make the church a place of meeting or greeting.

More work The first phase is completed, but the other phases are still required, including one that plans to develop lighting, now

that the generator power was multiplied five times. The increase in power and number of bulbs is intended to increase the brightness of the church. For the Latin Patriarchate, there are many projects in the works for 2014 to continue the renovation or expansion of existing buildings, churches, rectories, schools or church buildings, allowing parish communities to come together and unite to find the strength in keeping their Christian identity in the Diocese, and also for the Latin Patriarchate to show its presence in the midst of its cities. Support for the completion of these projects is necessary.

Pierre Loup de Raucourt

Projects of the Latin Patriarchate

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Latin Patriarchateof JerusalemP.O.B. 14152Jerusalem 9114101Tel: + 972 2 628 23 23Fax: + 972 2 627 16 52Media office : meo@lpj.org

Papal Visit

Welcome to the Pope

Just as Pope Francis was elected in March 2013, Patriarch Fouad Twal, in an official statement, formally invited the Pope to visit the Holy Land: “Dear Holy Father, the Holy Land looks forward to have the honor and pleasure of welcoming you to the Holy Land. “Welcome: Ahlan wa sahlan!” In his Christmas message, the Patriarch mentioned the Pope’s visit to the Holy Land planned for next May, first to Jordan and then Israel/Palestine. But nothing had yet been officially announced, though the returning visits by prominent figures to the Pope confirmed more and more such a plan. First, Shimon Peres (President of Israel), then King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Mahmoud Abbas ( President of the Palestinian Authority) were received by the Pope in mid-October. The last visit was made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who mentioned on Monday, December 2, after his visit with Pope Francis, that he planned to visit to the Holy Land in 2014.

After the Angelus Prayer, on Sunday, January 5 in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis finally confirmed his visit to the Holy Land from May 24 - 26: “God willing, I will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The primary reason is to commemorate the historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, which took place there on January 5, exactly 50 years today. I will make three stops: Amman, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. We will organize, at the Holy Sepulchre, an ecumenical meeting with all the representatives of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem together with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. I ask you to pray now for the pilgrimage.” From this viewpoint, there will be a strong emphasis on ecumenism.

PoliticalDimension?

Patriarch Fouad Twal recalled, in an interview with the iMedia agency, that the Pope’s trip to the Holy Land has a “political dimension”. Moreover, Rabbi Abraham Skorka, great friend of the Pope, was under the assumption that a trip to the Holy Land is confirmed, and said that “His [the Pope] presence can be very valuable when the peace talks resumed.” As the Patriarch said, responding to the iMedia agency, there is not the shadow of a doubt “this visit has a political dimension because this dimension is our oxygen. We breathe politics in every action, in every meeting, in every ceremony, in our context, the crisis in the region, including Syria and the Israeli occupation. All, Jordanians, Palestinians and Israelis, try to make the most of the visit, including using their propaganda. This is normal.” The Holy See has repeatedly expressed the “hope” of a “just and lasting solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a statement, the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land stressed that “the primary purpose of this visit is spreading and promoting love, cooperation and peace among all people of the region.”

Christophe Lafontaine