Cardinal Pizzaballa Offers Himself in Exchange for Kidnapped Israeli Children

“In order to get out of the current situation, the hostages must be returned,” said Mgr. Pizzaballa. “We need a gesture that could guide a reconsideration of the escalation of events toward more violence. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to stop this escalation,” stated the Patriarch of Jerusalem, alluding to the expected Israeli ground invasion into the Gaza Strip.

These last few days, Pope Francis has also called for the liberation of hostages. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, offered the mediation of the Vatican for such a matter. Mgr. Pizzaballa said that the Holy See wants to ensure that at least some of the hostages can return. However, he added, it is difficult to speak to Hamas.

During the press conference, the patriarch took the opportunity to distance himself from the statements of Christian Churches, including the Latin Patriarchate of which he is the patriarch, concerning the attacks of Hamas on Israel.

“I, myself, am also irritated. Out of respect for the other Churches, I have nothing to add on this subject,” stated the cardinal, before adding, “To be clear, Hamas has committed barbaric acts on Israel.”

The Catholic Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as well as other Christian Churches, published statements on the events of October 7 and 13. Israel expressed its irritation on the subject and criticized the 2 statements, judging that they did not clearly condemn Hamas.