Latest news with #Pizzaballa
Irish Post
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
How the conclave voted in Pope Leo XIV
Backroom diplomacy, shifting alliances and a surprise result in Rome ushered in American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th successor of St Peter The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel (picture by Vatican Media via) FOLLOWING Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025, the College of Cardinals convened to elect his successor. The conclave began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinal electors participating. Two who were eligible to vote did not attend. Those who did take part swore the Oath of secrecy of the conclave once inside the Sistine Chapel prior to the process of choosing the new pope. But we can construct a fairly accurate picture of what went on from reports and rumours. The Vatican is a hotbed of gossip, and secrets don't stay secret for very long. The favourites IN THE lead-up to the conclave, several prominent cardinals were considered 'papabili', or potential popes: Cardinal Pietro Parolin: From the Veneto region, the Vatican Secretary of State was viewed as a leading candidate due to his diplomatic experience. He is, in essence, the flagbearer of the conservative, traditionalist wing of the Church and so appealed to a significant bloc in the curia; From the Veneto region, the Vatican Secretary of State was viewed as a leading candidate due to his diplomatic experience. He is, in essence, the flagbearer of the conservative, traditionalist wing of the Church and so appealed to a significant bloc in the curia; Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: Archbishop of Bologna, known for his progressive stance and pastoral approach. Archbishop of Bologna, known for his progressive stance and pastoral approach. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle: From Manila in the Philippines, Cardinal Tagle is Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, representing the Asian Church. From Manila in the Philippines, Cardinal Tagle is Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, representing the Asian Church. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: From Lombardy, Cardinal Pizzaballa is Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Franciscan leader and seasoned peace broker. A pastoral, pragmatic figure, regarded as moderate rather than strictly conservative within Church circles. He wasn't considered a frontrunner, but some felt he could have become a compromise choice. From Lombardy, Cardinal Pizzaballa is Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Franciscan leader and seasoned peace broker. A pastoral, pragmatic figure, regarded as moderate rather than strictly conservative within Church circles. He wasn't considered a frontrunner, but some felt he could have become a compromise choice. Cardinal Kevin Farrell: Dublin-born but long-serving in the US and Vatican, came to prominence as camerlengo, but was not considered a major papal contender. As Prefect for Laity, Family and Life, his administrative skill and moderate reputation were valued. But his limited international profile and lack of curial bloc support meant he was not seen as a favourite, and also at 77 he was probably seen as just on the wrong side of the age window. But it's possible the Dublin man could have emerged as a dark horse compromise candidate. As it was, his working relationship with Cardinal Dolan probably helped the campaign to get Cardinal Prevost elected. The conclave begins CARDINAL Parolin was long the frontrunner, but concerns arose regarding his health and his role in the Vatican's China policy, which may have diminished his support among some electors. It appears that Cardinal Robert Prevost emerged as a consensus candidate as the cardinals gathered in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral. It has now been acknowledged that Prevost had performed well during the pre-conclave general congregation meetings among cardinals, gaining the attention of electors of the Americas, of the Roman Curia, as well as Asian cardinals who oriented themselves towards him instead of Luis Tagle of the Philippines. Cardinal Prevost's background as a missionary in Peru, leadership in the Augustinian order, and role in the Vatican meant he emerged as something of a bridgebuilder. Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan of New York had already been a key supporter in 2013 of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis, and Robert Prevost seemed, to Cardinal Dolan, the logical successor. This was his mission and he set about it with considerable determination, probably with the help of Cardinal Kevin Farrell. Four rounds of voting The first ballot reportedly saw Parolin ahead, but failing to reach the two thirds majority of 89 votes. His count at this stage has been rumoured to have been around 40 votes, perhaps as many as 50 votes. It is almost certain that as many as six or seven other cardinals also received votes. Second ballot (May 8, Morning): Support for Parolin, according to several reports, stayed steady, but failed to increase. It was by now obvious that Prevost also enjoyed broad support from South American and Anglosphere cardinals (US, England, South Africa, Australia, India). Parolin's support waned, while Prevost gained momentum as electors sought a unifying figure. Third ballot (May 8, Afternoon): Prevost secured at least 89 votes, surpassing the two-thirds threshold. Fourth ballot: A fourth vote was held, with Prevost receiving more than 100 votes, and was elected Pope Leo. Cardinal Parolin, it can be said, was the loser — observers noted his visible disappointment as he stood on the balcony as he stood on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica with Pope Leo and Cardinal Dolan. Who backed whom? The Anglo-American bloc Key figures: Cardinal Timothy Dolan (New York), Cardinal Kevin Farrell (Dublin-born, Vatican-based), Cardinal Wilton Gregory (Washington, D.C.). Influence: Cardinal Dolan is reported to have played a pivotal role in rallying support for Cardinal Robert Prevost, particularly among English-speaking cardinals from countries such as India and South Africa. Cardinal Farrell, as camerlengo and a respected Vatican administrator, likely provided institutional support for Prevost's candidacy. The Latin American and global South coalition Key figures: cardinals from Latin America, Africa, and Asia who were aligned with Pope Francis's vision. Influence: Prevost's extensive missionary work in Peru and his fluency in Spanish endeared him to this group, who saw him as a continuation of Francis's pastoral and inclusive approach. The reformist European wing Key figures: Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg), Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy). Influence: While initially potential candidates themselves, they may have shifted support to Prevost as a unifying figure who could bridge traditional and progressive elements within the Church. The Traditionalist bloc Key figures: Cardinal Raymond Burke (USA), Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea), Cardinal Gerhard Müller (Germany). Influence: This group likely supported candidates like Cardinal Pietro Parolin but ultimately lacked the numbers to influence the final outcome significantly. The Irish and English cardinals Irish cardinals Cardinal Kevin Farrell: Born in Dublin, Farrell's role as camerlengo and his Vatican experience positioned him as a significant figure in the conclave. Cardinal Vincent Nichols (Archbishop of Westminster): As the senior English prelate, Nichols likely played a role in guiding the English cardinals' votes. While specific details are scarce, it's plausible that he supported Prevost as a consensus candidate. See More: College Of Cardinals, Conclave, Pope Leo XIV, Vatican
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pizzaballa, 60, Once Offered Himself in Exchange for Hostages. Now the Cardinal Could Be the Next Pope
An expert tells PEOPLE that Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was quite close to Pope Francis and is seen as being an "extremely skilled" diplomat Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa could be a contender to be Pope Francis' successor, some experts say The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem offered himself in exchange for children taken hostage by Hamas back in 2023 Pizzaballa is an experienced diplomat and one of three Italian cardinals seen as a possible papal contender, an expert tells PEOPLE As the world waits for Pope Francis' successor to be chosen, some say Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa is a legitimate contender. The 60-year-old Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has lived in the city since 1990, navigating a politically charged region and three major religions with grace, according to the New York Times. Although many people may have only heard of him recently (for one, his last name has inspired a number of memes), he previously made news when he offered himself up in exchange for children taken hostage by Hamas after their October 2023 attack on southern Israel. At the time, he had been a cardinal for just two weeks. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Anything, if this can lead to freedom and bring those children back home, no problem," he said while speaking with Vatican reporters. "On my part, absolute willingness." Reflecting on the reaction during a subsequent interview with CNN, Pizzaballa acknowledged that what he said that day was 'very naive" and noted that his comments were not universally well-received. 'Why Israeli children and not for the Palestinian children? My answer was… also for them I'm ready. No problem," he told the outlet. Related: Pope Francis Buried at St. Mary Major, a Church with 'Very Beautiful' Connection to His Faith Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Pope Francis presented the red biretta hat to Cardinal Pizzaballa on Sept. 30, 2023 at the Vatican. Two weeks before Francis' death on April 21, the cardinal spoke more about the war that has brought widespread devastation to Gaza. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement 'Every man of faith has questions, including myself,' said Pizzaballa, according to CNN. 'You are so frustrated from the situation, and you ask, 'Where are you?' to God. 'Where are you?' Then I come to myself and I understand the question should be, 'Where is man now? What have we done with our humanity?'' 'We cannot consider God guilty of what we are doing,' he said, according to CNN. Throughout his lifetime, Pope Francis was outspoken in his criticism of Israel, called for an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza and, in a final gift, sent his popemobile to serve as a health clinic for children in Gaza. Related: Nun Who Broke Vatican Protocol to Mourn Friend Pope Francis Remembers Him as a 'Brother' ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Pizzaballa, who grew up in poverty in northern Italy, has developed a reputation for his kindness to the poor and his ability to build connections between peoples. While he isn't based in the Vatican, his respect for traditional aspects of church practice have softened the perspective of some conservatives, the Times reported. The cardinal's connection to Italy, the storied seat of the Catholic Church for many centuries, also helps his chances. Carmine Soprano, a Vatican analyst and UN consultant, tells PEOPLE that the three Italian candidates, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Pizzaballa, were all "quite close to Francis." Each of the candidates would, "in different ways, represent a continuation of his progressive agenda," Soprano adds. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. the expert explains that Pizzaballa is 'one of the most experienced' people in the church in issues regarding the Middle East. 'These three are not only perceived to be Francis-friendly, and therefore progressive, but also to be extremely skilled diplomats,' Soprano continues. 'So, their election might signify that the Conclave is looking for someone who is not only trying to continue Francis' progressive agenda, but also has the skills and the Vatican inside knowledge that will almost certainly be required to push that agenda forward.' However, as other experts have told PEOPLE, when it comes to the conclave, anything can happen — and oftentimes, those seen as a frontrunners don't end up becoming pope. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Related: Who Will Be the Next Pope? Experts Say 'Anything Can Happen' (Exclusive) If elected as pope, it's his faith that will see him through. 'Faith is the only thing you can grasp, you can keep alive, in your life,' Pizzaballa previously told CNN. He added, 'faith is a way to transcend yourself, to go beyond yourself. Faith is to believe in someone else.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pizzaballa, 60, Once Offered Himself in Exchange for Hostages. Now the Cardinal Could Be the Next Pope
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa could be a contender to be Pope Francis' successor, some experts say The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem offered himself in exchange for children taken hostage by Hamas back in 2023 Pizzaballa is an experienced diplomat and one of three Italian cardinals seen as a possible papal contender, an expert tells PEOPLE As the world waits for Pope Francis' successor to be chosen, some say Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa is a legitimate contender. The 60-year-old Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has lived in the city since 1990, navigating a politically charged region and three major religions with grace, according to the New York Times. Although many people may have only heard of him recently (for one, his last name has inspired a number of memes), he previously made news when he offered himself up in exchange for children taken hostage by Hamas after their October 2023 attack on southern Israel. At the time, he had been a cardinal for just two weeks. "Anything, if this can lead to freedom and bring those children back home, no problem," he said while speaking with Vatican reporters. "On my part, absolute willingness." Reflecting on the reaction during a subsequent interview with CNN, Pizzaballa acknowledged that what he said that day was 'very naive" and noted that his comments were not universally well-received. 'Why Israeli children and not for the Palestinian children? My answer was… also for them I'm ready. No problem," he told the outlet. Related: Pope Francis Buried at St. Mary Major, a Church with 'Very Beautiful' Connection to His Faith Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Pope Francis presented the red biretta hat to Cardinal Pizzaballa on Sept. 30, 2023 at the Vatican. Pope Francis presented the red biretta hat to Cardinal Pizzaballa on Sept. 30, 2023 at the Vatican. Two weeks before Francis' death on April 21, the cardinal spoke more about the war that has brought widespread devastation to Gaza. 'Every man of faith has questions, including myself,' said Pizzaballa, according to CNN. 'You are so frustrated from the situation, and you ask, 'Where are you?' to God. 'Where are you?' Then I come to myself and I understand the question should be, 'Where is man now? What have we done with our humanity?'' 'We cannot consider God guilty of what we are doing,' he said, according to CNN. Throughout his lifetime, Pope Francis was outspoken in his criticism of Israel, called for an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza and, in a final gift, sent his popemobile to serve as a health clinic for children in Gaza. Related: Nun Who Broke Vatican Protocol to Mourn Friend Pope Francis Remembers Him as a 'Brother' Pizzaballa, who grew up in poverty in northern Italy, has developed a reputation for his kindness to the poor and his ability to build connections between peoples. While he isn't based in the Vatican, his respect for traditional aspects of church practice have softened the perspective of some conservatives, the Times reported. The cardinal's connection to Italy, the storied seat of the Catholic Church for many centuries, also helps his chances. Carmine Soprano, a Vatican analyst and UN consultant, tells PEOPLE that the three Italian candidates, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Pizzaballa, were all "quite close to Francis." Each of the candidates would, "in different ways, represent a continuation of his progressive agenda," Soprano adds. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. the expert explains that Pizzaballa is 'one of the most experienced' people in the church in issues regarding the Middle East. 'These three are not only perceived to be Francis-friendly, and therefore progressive, but also to be extremely skilled diplomats,' Soprano continues. 'So, their election might signify that the Conclave is looking for someone who is not only trying to continue Francis' progressive agenda, but also has the skills and the Vatican inside knowledge that will almost certainly be required to push that agenda forward.' However, as other experts have told PEOPLE, when it comes to the conclave, anything can happen — and oftentimes, those seen as a frontrunners don't end up becoming pope. Related: Who Will Be the Next Pope? Experts Say 'Anything Can Happen' (Exclusive) If elected as pope, it's his faith that will see him through. 'Faith is the only thing you can grasp, you can keep alive, in your life,' Pizzaballa previously told CNN. He added, 'faith is a way to transcend yourself, to go beyond yourself. Faith is to believe in someone else.' Read the original article on People
Egypt Independent
06-05-2025
- General
- Egypt Independent
Why Pizzaballa, Jerusalem's first cardinal and an advocate for peace, could be a long-shot contender for pope
Jerusalem CNN — Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, cuts an unmistakable figure in the dark corridors of the ancient, stone patriarchate in this troubled corner of the world. He moves quickly, in long, deliberate strides, the seams of his black cassock billowing like a swimmer's stroke ahead of his arrival. He was born in Bergamo, northern Italy, but after 35 years immersed in the concerns of his flock here, he says, 'I have no idea what people in Italy are talking about most of the time.' His elderly mother still ties him to the land of his birth. One of those topics of conversation in the halls of Vatican City is Pizzaballa himself. Younger by a decade than the candidates considered frontrunners, Jerusalem's first-ever cardinal has nevertheless emerged as an intriguing possibility, thrust into the spotlight by the same war in Gaza that has compelled him to confront difficult questions about faith and humanity. 'Every man of faith has questions, including myself,' Pizzaballa said in an interview less than two weeks before Pope Francis' death. 'You are so frustrated from the situation, and you ask, 'Where are you?' to God. 'Where are you?' Then I come to myself and I understand the question should be, 'Where is man now? What have we done with our humanity?'' 'We cannot consider God guilty of what we are doing,' he said. Pizzaballa, who turned 60 last month, arrived in Jerusalem aged 25, a priest in his first month of service. He had grown up in such poverty that a consideration in his choice to enter a monastic setting was that his family would have one less mouth to feed. But, principally, he was inspired by a local, cycling priest, who brought joy and the life of the spirit into the growing boy's world. If the general public knew anything of Pizzaballa ahead of the death of Pope Francis, it was about a gesture that he considers so 'obvious' as to be almost meaningless: Nine days into the Israel-Gaza war – and two weeks into his tenure as cardinal – he offered himself in exchange for the Israeli children who'd been taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. Responding to a query in a closed call with Vatican pool reporters intended to discuss his historic appointment, Pizzaballa said simply, 'I am prepared for an exchange, anything, if this can lead to freedom, to bring the children home… There is total willingness on my part.' It was a 'strange question,' he recalled, but he meant his answer very seriously. 'I didn't expect the reaction. Wonderful reaction in the world, but not in Palestine,' he told CNN. 'Why Israeli children and not for the Palestinian children? My answer was… also for them I'm ready. No problem.' What he said in the moment on the call with reporters was 'very naive,' he acknowledges. Nonetheless, the fact that, amid the chaos and dearth of leadership that has characterized the period of war, no other figure, political or religious, local or global, has replicated his reflexive proposal, is a source of wonder for him. As is the fact that no one in a position of power responded. 'In this moment, my impression is that the institution of leaders are in a way paralyzed by their role,' Pizzaballa said. 'The lesson I see here is that faith and power don't go well together. If you want to be free as a religious leader, you have to be independent from any kind of power, economical power, political power, social power, whatever. And we are not there now.' Cardinal Pizzaballa arrives in procession for a mass on the seventh of nine days of mourning for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica last week. Andrew Medichini/AP At the outbreak of the war, Pizzaballa presciently predicted that 'the first thing to do is to try to win the release of the hostages, otherwise there will be no way of stopping (an escalation) adding a note of caution: 'You can't talk to Hamas. It is very difficult.' Nineteen months later, with Israel on the cusp of expanding its war and 59 hostages still held by Hamas, his words seem prophetic. Pizzaballa takes his own contradictions in stride. The Franciscan friar, who has devoted his life to the notion of a universal church, moves easily among the Jewish and Muslim majorities in whose midst he has made his life. As Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020, he leads Catholics living in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Cyprus. Having lived almost his entire adult life in Jerusalem, with a PhD from the Hebrew University under his belt, Pizzaballa can genially hold his own in a theological discussion on YouTube, in fluid Hebrew, with an Israeli orthodox rabbi, sounding for all the world like two old neighbors at a cafe. It is easy to imagine the cerebral, long-limbed Pizzaballa, nephew of Pier Luigi Pizzaballa, Roman football champion of the 1970s, as a retired athlete turned professor. Yet faith is the stuff of his life. His new cardinalship, and the war, thrust him into the unfamiliar role of speaking both for Israelis and Palestinians, and especially Gazans, in the Vatican – feeling, he said, 'the need to be the voice of my people to the world, but also the voice of faith to my people.' The war also obliged Pizzaballa to respond to immediate, existential angst about the very question of a shared humanity. 'One of the problems we have now is that we tend to dehumanize the other. You shouldn't do this,' Pizzaballa says, with a finality that silences doubt. 'The other is (a) human being. Whoever he is, he's a human being. So, you have to be attached to this.' Pizzaballa and Pope Francis speak at a Mass in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia in 2021. Vatican Media/Spaziani/picture-alliance/dpa/AP It's easy from the outside to see Pizzaballa's time in Jerusalem as defined by conflict. Even before the current war, he has led the Catholic Church in Jerusalem and beyond through at least half a dozen other conflicts. But without question, he says, this war has been the hardest, testing his flock and his faith. 'We've lost everything. We lost trust, we lost relations. For many families, they lost jobs. They lost everything. My community in Gaza, they lost houses, and the future…' he said, trailing off in thought. Pizzaballa has visited Gaza twice since the war began, once last May and again shortly before Christmas. 'The emotional impact was very strong,' he acknowledged, with a 'heavy, heavy impression about the situation.' It was his faith that carried him through. Tested, challenged, sometimes even doubted, but stronger in the end for all of the questions along the way. And this is how he would define most of a lifetime spent leading a church. 'Faith is the only thing you can grasp, you can keep alive, in your life,' he said. And, when all else fails, 'faith is a way to transcend yourself, to go beyond yourself. Faith is to believe in someone else.' During his visits to Gaza, he bought food from the Muslim community in Jerusalem, stored it with a Jewish company, and brought it to the Christians in the besieged coastal enclave. 'I see in this sea of darkness, a lot of lights everywhere, and this is what gives me hope,' he said. Pizzaballa's ease with himself and his authenticity have won him the hearts of Jerusalemites. His parishioners, mostly Palestinians, see in him an affirmation of their own ancient ties to the roots of Christian identity. As he tucked himself into the black sedan that would take him to Ben Gurion Airport, and to the conclave, some patriarchate employees, and friends who came specifically to accompany him for the momentous occasion encircled the vehicle and sang a blessing, in Arabic. 'Lord, guide his steps with wisdom, fill his heart with spirit, and be with him if it is your prayer for him to lead your Church,' they chanted. It was a tender sendoff verging on a farewell. Pizzaballa, as is his wont, did not engage in any such sentimentality, ending his brief pre-departure remarks with the request that people pray for him, and a simple, brisk 'see you soon.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why Pizzaballa, Jerusalem's first cardinal and an advocate for peace, could be a long-shot contender for pope
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, cuts an unmistakable figure in the dark corridors of the ancient, stone patriarchate in this troubled corner of the world. He moves quickly, in long, deliberate strides, the seams of his black cassock billowing like a swimmer's stroke ahead of his arrival. He was born in Bergamo, northern Italy, but after 35 years immersed in the concerns of his flock here, he says, 'I have no idea what people in Italy are talking about most of the time.' His elderly mother still ties him to the land of his birth. One of those topics of conversation in the halls of Vatican City is Pizzaballa himself. Younger by a decade than the candidates considered frontrunners, Jerusalem's first-ever cardinal has nevertheless emerged as an intriguing possibility, thrust into the spotlight by the same war in Gaza that has compelled him to confront difficult questions about faith and humanity. 'Every man of faith has questions, including myself,' Pizzaballa said in an interview less than two weeks before Pope Francis' death. 'You are so frustrated from the situation, and you ask, 'Where are you?' to God. 'Where are you?' Then I come to myself and I understand the question should be, 'Where is man now? What have we done with our humanity?'' 'We cannot consider God guilty of what we are doing,' he said. Pizzaballa, who turned 60 last month, arrived in Jerusalem aged 25, a priest in his first month of service. He had grown up in such poverty that a consideration in his choice to enter a monastic setting was that his family would have one less mouth to feed. But, principally, he was inspired by a local, cycling priest, who brought joy and the life of the spirit into the growing boy's world. If the general public knew anything of Pizzaballa ahead of the death of Pope Francis, it was about a gesture that he considers so 'obvious' as to be almost meaningless: Nine days into the Israel-Gaza war – and two weeks into his tenure as cardinal – he offered himself in exchange for the Israeli children who'd been taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. Responding to a query in a closed call with Vatican pool reporters intended to discuss his historic appointment, Pizzaballa said simply, 'I am prepared for an exchange, anything, if this can lead to freedom, to bring the children home… There is total willingness on my part.' It was a 'strange question,' he recalled, but he meant his answer very seriously. 'I didn't expect the reaction. Wonderful reaction in the world, but not in Palestine,' he told CNN. 'Why Israeli children and not for the Palestinian children? My answer was… also for them I'm ready. No problem.' What he said in the moment on the call with reporters was 'very naive,' he acknowledges. Nonetheless, the fact that, amid the chaos and dearth of leadership that has characterized the period of war, no other figure, political or religious, local or global, has replicated his reflexive proposal, is a source of wonder for him. As is the fact that no one in a position of power responded. 'In this moment, my impression is that the institution of leaders are in a way paralyzed by their role,' Pizzaballa said. 'The lesson I see here is that faith and power don't go well together. If you want to be free as a religious leader, you have to be independent from any kind of power, economical power, political power, social power, whatever. And we are not there now.' Cardinal Pizzaballa arrives in procession for a mass on the seventh of nine days of mourning for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica last week. - Andrew Medichini/AP At the outbreak of the war, Pizzaballa presciently predicted that 'the first thing to do is to try to win the release of the hostages, otherwise there will be no way of stopping (an escalation) adding a note of caution: 'You can't talk to Hamas. It is very difficult.' Nineteen months later, with Israel on the cusp of expanding its war and 59 hostages still held by Hamas, his words seem prophetic. Pizzaballa takes his own contradictions in stride. The Franciscan friar, who has devoted his life to the notion of a universal church, moves easily among the Jewish and Muslim majorities in whose midst he has made his life. As Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020, he leads Catholics living in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Cyprus. Having lived almost his entire adult life in Jerusalem, with a PhD from the Hebrew University under his belt, Pizzaballa can genially hold his own in a theological discussion on YouTube, in fluid Hebrew, with an Israeli orthodox rabbi, sounding for all the world like two old neighbors at a cafe. It is easy to imagine the cerebral, long-limbed Pizzaballa, nephew of Pier Luigi Pizzaballa, Roman football champion of the 1970s, as a retired athlete turned professor. Yet faith is the stuff of his life. His new cardinalship, and the war, thrust him into the unfamiliar role of speaking both for Israelis and Palestinians, and especially Gazans, in the Vatican – feeling, he said, 'the need to be the voice of my people to the world, but also the voice of faith to my people.' The war also obliged Pizzaballa to respond to immediate, existential angst about the very question of a shared humanity. 'One of the problems we have now is that we tend to dehumanize the other. You shouldn't do this,' Pizzaballa says, with a finality that silences doubt. 'The other is (a) human being. Whoever he is, he's a human being. So, you have to be attached to this.' Pizzaballa and Pope Francis speak at a Mass in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia in 2021. - Vatican Media/Spaziani/picture-alliance/dpa/AP It's easy from the outside to see Pizzaballa's time in Jerusalem as defined by conflict. Even before the current war, he has led the Catholic Church in Jerusalem and beyond through at least half a dozen other conflicts. But without question, he says, this war has been the hardest, testing his flock and his faith. 'We've lost everything. We lost trust, we lost relations. For many families, they lost jobs. They lost everything. My community in Gaza, they lost houses, and the future…' he said, trailing off in thought. Pizzaballa has visited Gaza twice since the war began, once last May and again shortly before Christmas. 'The emotional impact was very strong,' he acknowledged, with a 'heavy, heavy impression about the situation.' It was his faith that carried him through. Tested, challenged, sometimes even doubted, but stronger in the end for all of the questions along the way. And this is how he would define most of a lifetime spent leading a church. 'Faith is the only thing you can grasp, you can keep alive, in your life,' he said. And, when all else fails, 'faith is a way to transcend yourself, to go beyond yourself. Faith is to believe in someone else.' During his visits to Gaza, he bought food from the Muslim community in Jerusalem, stored it with a Jewish company, and brought it to the Christians in the besieged coastal enclave. 'I see in this sea of darkness, a lot of lights everywhere, and this is what gives me hope,' he said. Pizzaballa's ease with himself and his authenticity have won him the hearts of Jerusalemites. His parishioners, mostly Palestinians, see in him an affirmation of their own ancient ties to the roots of Christian identity. As he tucked himself into the black sedan that would take him to Ben Gurion Airport, and to the conclave, some patriarchate employees, and friends who came specifically to accompany him for the momentous occasion encircled the vehicle and sang a blessing, in Arabic. 'Lord, guide his steps with wisdom, fill his heart with spirit, and be with him if it is your prayer for him to lead your Church,' they chanted. It was a tender sendoff verging on a farewell. Pizzaballa, as is his wont, did not engage in any such sentimentality, ending his brief pre-departure remarks with the request that people pray for him, and a simple, brisk 'see you soon.' For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at
