Between August 16 and 20, 2025, His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, archbishop of Marseille and president of the French Bishops’ Conference, led a five-day visit to the Holy Land. The journey aimed to express closeness and solidarity with the Christian communities of the region, to hear firsthand the life stories of local Christians amid uncertain times, and to witness how hope in Christ serves as a steadfast anchor in this land.

The delegation, which included Bishop Benoît Bertrand and Archbishop Vincent Jordy, Vice-Presidents of the French Bishops’ Conference, began its pilgrimage with celebrations and encounters in Abu Gosh, Taybeh, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. At every step, Cardinal Aveline emphasized the importance of fraternity and prayerful support for the “living stones” of the Mother Church of Jerusalem.

On Sunday, August 17, the Cardinal presided over Mass at the Latin Parish of Christ the Redeemer in Taybeh, the last predominantly Christian village in the West Bank, and met with parishioners, youth, and local religious and civil leaders. The parish priest, Fr. Bashar Fawadleh, welcomed the delegation together with Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah.

Cardinal Aveline reflected with Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah on the mystery of the Church’s witness in times of trial. Quoting the emeritus Patriarch, he recalled that Christians in the Holy Land are “experiencing something of the continuation of Christ’s Passion” (Vatican News).

The following day Msgr. William Shomali, Patriarchal General Vicar, accompanied the delegation to Bethlehem, where they visited the Emmanuel Community, prayed at the Church of the Nativity. The Cardinal also met with the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, who presented an overview of the difficult situation the city is facing due to the lack of tourism and various restrictions, in addition to the challenge of Christian emigration. Then he met with the students and faculty of Bethlehem University. Cardinal Aveline emphasized the importance of the university’s presence in the region, forming well-educated and engaged members of society.

In Jerusalem, the Cardinal celebrated Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, uniting the intentions of French Catholics with those of the local Church. He also met with the Carmelite community of Pater Noster and French-speaking religious communities, highlighting the diversity and richness of Christian life in the Holy Land.

A Visit Rooted in Listening and Encounter

On Tuesday, August 19, Cardinal Aveline met with His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the bishops of the Patriarchate. Addressing journalists at the Patriarchate, the Cardinal underlined that his visit was “a pilgrimage of listening and understanding,” undertaken at the request of Pope Leo XIV as a sign of closeness and mercy in difficult times.

He also spoke by phone with Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, assuring him of the closeness and prayers of the Church in France. Cardinal Aveline was moved by the priest’s inner strength and unwavering trust in God, even amid the constant sound of bombardments. ‘Gaza is always in our hearts,’ he said.

Encouraging Pilgrimage as a Path of Solidarity

One of the central appeals of Cardinal Aveline’s visit was to encourage the gradual return of pilgrimages to the Holy Land. In words reported by Vatican News, he invited pilgrims to come “not only to deepen their faith and take photographs, but to encounter the Christian communities who live here.” He explained that this kind of pilgrimage requires a change of heart: “a pilgrim who understands that there are Christians in this country who cannot make the pilgrimage that he is making… a pilgrimage that becomes an experience of ecclesial solidarity.”

Strengthened Bonds of Communion and Hope

Despite the challenges, Cardinal Aveline emphasized, as reported by Vatican News, the deep Christian hope alive in these communities: “It is not a superficial enthusiasm but a deep joy because it is linked to hope. When all reasons for hope disappear, only the hope of the Resurrection remains in the hearts of those who believe in Christ.” Quoting the Trappist monk André Louf, he added: “God knows how to make masterpieces out of the rubble of our dreams. Here, many dreams have collapsed, there is a lot of rubble, but this is the hope we have come to share.”

At the conclusion of the visit, the Archbishop of Marseille expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the many communities he met. He assured that he would carry their voices and testimonies back to France and to Europe, fostering greater awareness and solidarity.