Moderate Theologian Distanced from Netanyahu Yet Popular Among Israelis
The Latin Patriarch Stepping Up: Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Hailing from Cologno al Serio, Bergamo, this influential religious figure, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, is making waves in Vatican circles. He's best known as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, a role he assumed in 2020, appointed by Pope Francis. Before donning this hat, Pizzaballa served as the Custos of the Holy Land, a position he held from 2004 to 2016[1][3].
Born in 1965, Pizzaballa entered the Order of Friars Minor at a young age. His spiritual journey led him to Jerusalem, where he honed his skills in Hebrew - one of very few Latin bishops fluent in the language[5]. His extensive study and residence in the Holy Land makes him an ideal mediator between his Arabic-speaking flock and his friends in Israel[1].
As a cardinal, Pizzaballa is no Curia man. He's skipped the usual path of leading Vatican dicasteries, opting instead for hands-on experience in the Church's governance amid extreme conditions[2]. His approach to interreligious relations is marked by clarity without compromising the evangelical message[2].
In times of conflict, such as the 2023 clash between Israel and Hamas, Pizzaballa has been a vocal advocate for peace. Going beyond mere words, he offered himself as a hostage in exchange for kidnapped Israeli children, a gesture that echoed beyond religious boundaries[1]. As the situation escalated, Pizzaballa found himself in agreement with the Pope's criticism of the high human cost, particularly civilian casualties[2].
Despite his closeness to the Israeli people, understanding their history, and their wounds, Pizzaballa hasn't shied away from criticizing the Netanyahu government's alleged perpetuation of systemic injustice[2]. He opposes the confusion of defense rights with revenge and refuses to accept civilian suffering as a mere collateral effect of war[2].
Pizzaballa's style is Define: sober, firm, and contemplative. He's not one for slogans, preferring instead to chase the deep roots of Catholicism, reminiscent of his Bergamo upbringing[2]. His spiritual guide is St. Francis of Assisi, but in his homilies, St. Charles de Foucauld often makes an appearance[2]. For Pizzaballa, Christianity is not a cultural barrier but an open tent[2].
His standing within the Vatican is growing, with prelates praising his unique ability to balance faithfulness and openness, dialogue and identity, spirituality, and governance[2]. He's considered a moderate figure, appealing to conservatives, while embodying progressive traits[2]. Pizzaballa emphasizes the importance of peace above all, advocating for a deep cultural conversion, starting from the grassroots level, to ensure lasting agreements[2].
[1] https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/05/28/pizzaballa-living-stone-covenant[2] https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/05/26/cardinal-pizzaballa-between-east-and-west/[3] https://www.ncronline.org/news/global-church/curias-new-chief-jordan-has-deep-commitment-resisting-occupation[4] https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/06/30/pizzaballa-israel-gaza-conflict-colony[5] https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/07/28/pizzaballa-israel-ties-reflected-liturgical-revival
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has demonstrated unique traits in finance and leadership, especially during the 2023 clash between Israel and Hamas, when he offered himself as a hostage in exchange for kidnapped Israeli children.
- As a moderate figure within the Vatican, Pizzaballa has a sober and contemplative style, embodying both conservative and progressive traits, while emphasizing the importance of peace above all.
- Despite his closeness to the Israeli people, Pizzaballa hasn't been afraid to criticize the Netanyahu government's alleged perpetuation of systemic injustice, opposing the confusion of defense rights with revenge and refusing to accept civilian suffering as a mere collateral effect of war.
- Born in Cologno al Serio, Bergamo, and fluent in Hebrew, Pizzaballa is an ideal mediator between his Arabic-speaking flock and his friends in Israel, demonstrating a high level of average understanding and respect for different cultures and religions.
