Cardinal Pizzaballa calls Christians in the Holy Land to make the cross a way of life

In brief

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, urged Christians in the Holy Land to live according to the logic of the cross through love and self-giving. He made these remarks while presiding over Mass on September 13, 2026, at Christ the Redeemer Church in Taybeh, a predominantly Christian town in the West Bank, on the eve of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Pizzaballa said the cross is an expression of God's love and the victory of life rather than a sign of death or defeat. He stated that the sign of the cross should define the identity of Christians and be reflected in their relationships within families, parishes, and the wider community. While noting that Christians are already surrounded by various forms of suffering, he said such experiences can serve as an opening for God's presence.

The Mass was concelebrated by patriarchal vicar Bishop William Shomali, Father Davide Meli, and parish priest Father Bashar Fawadleh.