Representing His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, Vice President of the State of Palestine, His Excellency Hussein Al-Sheikh, participated in the Midnight Christmas Mass held at the Church of St. Catherine in Bethlehem on the occasion of Christmas according to the Western calendar.
The Mass was also attended by Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Dr. Ramzi Khouri.
The service was presided over by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of His Excellency Jordanian Minister of Interior Mazen Al-Farrayeh, deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II; Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia; along with a wide gathering of bishops, clergy, monks, ministers, mayors, security leaders, ambassadors, representatives of foreign states, dignitaries, and a large number of worshippers.
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa affirmed that the people of Gaza are living a unique Christmas born from the heart of suffering, drawing its meaning from their steadfastness, the resilience of their children, and their adherence to life and hope despite the harsh circumstances. He emphasized that this reality constitutes an urgent moral call to the international community to assume its responsibilities, protect civilians, and put an end to violence and impunity, paving the way for a just peace founded on justice and rights. He further stressed that peace can only be achieved through moral commitment, fair decisions, and clear international positions that stand for justice and protect human life.
