On Monday, October 7, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, led an Hour of Prayer for Peace at the Pro-Cathedral of the Latin Patriarchate, in response to the Pope's call for the entire Catholic Church to observe a day of prayer, fasting, and repentance for global peace, with a special focus on the Holy Land.

Former Patriarch Michel Sabbah and Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Msgr. Carlos Malfa, Fr. Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, attended the prayer vigil, as well as several priests, religious sisters, seminarists, and official figures as well as the faithful of the diocese.

The Holy Mass commenced with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary, in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The service continued with Vespers and concluded with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, during which the priests of the Latin Patriarchate and seminarians from Beit Jala led the hymns.

During the prayer service, Cardinal Pizzaballa delivered a speech expressing his gratitude to the Pope for his support and solidarity, and to all those who have shown spiritual support and funds for the people in the Holy Land. He addressed the Church's stance on the recent outbreak of war, condemning violence, destruction, and loss of life. He reiterated the Church’s call for dialogue, understanding, forgiveness, and peace.

“In this time when violence seems to be the only language, we will continue to speak of and believe in forgiveness and reconciliation,” said His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa. “In this time that is full of pain, we want to and will continue to use words of consolation and give concrete and relentless comfort where the pain grows. Even if we have to start anew every day, even if we may be seen as irrelevant and useless, we will continue to be faithful to the love that has won us and be new people in Christ, here in Jerusalem, in the Holy Land, and wherever we are.”

In response to the Cardinal’s invitation, various parishes of the Latin Patriarchate across the Holy Land and Jordan participated in prayers, Mass, and Hours of Adoration, uniting in prayer for peace in the Holy Land and the Middle East. Reflections were focused on the words of St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians: “If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)