In the Holy Land, despite all appearance of despair, the belief in the resurrection of Christ endures according to Cardinal

In the heart of August, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the current president of the French bishops' conference, led a delegation on a visit to the Holy Land. The journey, which took place between the 16th and 20th of the month, was aimed at showing solidarity with the local Christian community and supporting peace.

During their visit, the French delegation paid a visit to the West Bank Christian village of Taybeh, where they met with the priests of the Latin, Melkite Catholic, and Greek Orthodox churches. The delegation also sadly noted the almost complete absence of pilgrims in Bethlehem, a stark contrast to the usual bustling scene.

In Gaza, the situation was tense, with bombardments reportedly drawing dangerously close to Holy Family Church. Despite the intensified fighting around them, church sources confirmed that the churches in Gaza are still standing. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of Holy Family Church, told Vatican News that there has not been an evacuation order for the parish's area of the neighborhood.

Cardinal Aveline visited the Holy Land not only to express solidarity but also to listen. He stated, "We're not here to talk. Above all we came to listen." The cardinal expressed admiration for the Latin patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, during his visit.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem closely monitored the rapidly evolving situation in Gaza City. Meanwhile, Cardinal Aveline emphasized the need for a "new type of pilgrimage" and pilgrims who understand the challenges faced by local Christians. He discussed the deep and unbreakable bond between the Christian and Jewish faiths, and the need to navigate this relationship amid complex political realities.

The extremist Israeli settlers have become increasingly violent against the village of Taybeh, a concerning development that the French delegation noted. Archbishop Vincent Jordy of Tours, who was part of the delegation, spoke about the "otherness" that has been created due to physical and mental walls, leading to fear, violence, and radicalization.

The French delegation's visit comes at a time when the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and the need for the release of Israeli hostages are at the forefront of concerns. The French bishops recognized these issues and expressed their hope for a gradual return of pilgrims to the Holy Land, a return that could help foster understanding and peace in the region.

Regrettably, there is no available information regarding which organization Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline visited in August of an unspecified year before leading the French bishops, or the impact of such a visit in the region. Nonetheless, the visit serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment of the French bishops to support and stand with the Christian community in the Holy Land.

In the Holy Land, despite all appearance of despair, the belief in the resurrection of Christ endures according to Cardinal