The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem emphasizes the necessity of Palestinian statehood for lasting peace in the Middle East

In a recent interview, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, articulated a stark and poignant message: peace in the Middle East will remain elusive without the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. His statement comes amid renewed violence and ongoing political deadlock in the region, and it reflects a growing consensus among religious and diplomatic leaders who believe that justice for Palestinians is a prerequisite for long-term stability.

Cardinal Pizzaballa has spent years in the Holy Land, witnessing firsthand the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians. His perspective is shaped not only by his position within the Church but also by his daily engagement with communities affected by conflict. He emphasized that the cycle of violence—punctuated by military operations, rocket attacks, and civilian casualties—can only be broken through a political solution that addresses the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

“There can be no peace without justice,” the Cardinal stated. “And justice demands that Palestinians have their own state, with recognized borders and the ability to live in dignity and security.” He acknowledged the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but insisted that ignoring the Palestinian claim to statehood only prolongs the suffering and fuels extremism.

Pizzaballa’s call is not merely a political stance but a moral one. He argues that religious leaders have a duty to speak out against injustice and to advocate for those whose voices are often silenced. “We cannot be neutral in the face of suffering,” he said, urging both local and international actors to renew their commitment to dialogue and coexistence.

The Cardinal also highlighted the detrimental impact of the occupation on Christian communities in the region, noting that many Christian families are choosing to emigrate due to instability and lack of opportunities. “If the Holy Land becomes a museum without people, especially without Christians, it loses its soul,” he warned.

His message was clear: a two-state solution, though increasingly difficult to achieve, remains the only path forward. He called on the international community, including the Vatican, to intensify efforts in supporting negotiations and to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

Cardinal Pizzaballa’s voice adds moral weight to a political issue often reduced to power struggles and territorial disputes. His advocacy reminds the world that at the heart of the conflict are human lives—children, families, and communities yearning for peace.

As the violence continues and peace seems a distant dream, the words of Cardinal Pizzaballa serve as a crucial reminder: without a just solution for Palestinians, the Middle East will remain a region of despair and division. The creation of a Palestinian state is not a concession—it is a cornerstone of any real and lasting peace.