Br. Francesco Ielpo, OFM, current Custos of the Holy Land, has recently undertaken a series of significant visits to Christian communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Cyprus, bringing spiritual support and a message of hope in a context marked by profound difficulties.

During his stay in Damascus, Br. Francesco visited the Church of St. Elias in Douilaa to express closeness to the community affected by the recent attack, and met the Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East. In the historic Christian heart of Bab Touma, he reached the Church of Saint Ananias, a place of memory and faith, and then presided over the Eucharistic Celebration at the Latin Church, strengthening ties with the local community.

The Custos continues the Franciscan tradition of presence and solidarity with Christian communities in Lebanon, a country marked by internal crises and regional conflicts. Even in this delicate phase, the friars of the Custody continue to spiritually and materially accompany local Christians and those in need, offering comfort and concrete assistance despite the socio-political challenges.

A fundamental stage of the journey was Cyprus, an island with a rich Christian heritage and an ancient Franciscan presence. Here, Br. Francesco met with Catholic communities and the friars of the Custody engaged in the area, visiting historic churches and taking part in shared moments of prayer. The Franciscan presence in Cyprus continues to represent a bridge between cultures and Christian confessions, a tangible sign of the mission of peace in the Mediterranean.

At the end of these stages of fraternity and closeness, Br. Francesco Ielpo is preparing to make his official entrance into Jerusalem as the new Custos of the Holy Land on July 21. His arrival will mark the beginning of his mission in the Holy Places, along the path of eight centuries of Franciscan presence at the service of the “living stones” that inhabit this extraordinary land.

These gestures, carried out in Syria, Lebanon, and Cyprus, testify to the Custody of the Holy Land’s fidelity to its vocation of unity and hope for Christian communities in the heart of the Middle East.