in Bethlehem, Christmas mass under the sign of the war between Israel and Hamas

In Bethlehem, in the West Bank, Saint Catherine’s Church and its Basilica of the Nativity were full on Sunday evening, but the atmosphere was special.

A Christmas mass like no other. In Bethlehem, the holy city in the West Bank where Jesus was born according to Christians, the thousands of pilgrims and tourists usually expected did not come because of the war between Israel and Hamas. The conflict was in the minds of all the faithful, Sunday December 24 during this mass at the Sainte-Catherine church and its basilica of the Nativity.

For Osama, an Arab Christian from Bethlehem who attends Christmas mass every year, this time, there is a little something missing: “There is no difference per se, the prayers and rituals are the same. But what’s missing is joyhe said, I still can’t wrap my head around what’s happening in Gaza. This brutality is inconceivable.”

“I don’t want to be too political, but…”

The war is in the minds of all the faithful and of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Cardinal Pizzaballa dedicates almost his entire homily to the Palestinian and Israeli victims, with a special thought for Gaza: “My thoughts are with Gaza. Thousands of people have been deprived of their basic needs. For decades, they have been waiting for the international community to find a solution to end the occupation under which they are forced to live. Yes, it is time to end the occupation. I don’t want to be too political, but I have to say it.”

“I pray that Christ will be reborn in the hearts of the rulers and leaders of nations, so that they will commit to stopping this war, so that they will resume a dialogue, to finally find a just, dignified and definitive solution for our people.”

Cardinal Pizzaballa

in front of his faithful in Bethlehem

A speech applauded and praised by the faithful like Manewila: “It was political, obviously, but it was successful. At the moment, it’s very difficult. There’s a lot of emotion, especially when we know that this Christmas but not for everyone. I mean being able to really feel it.” Manewila, leaves the mass with tears in her eyes, wondering if these prayers for peace will be heard.