In a message expressing perspicacity, mercy, and nobility issued on Friday, September 14, 2025, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattiasta Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, issued a decision to forgive all debts of all the families to the schools of the Latin Patriarchate for the years prior to the Jubilee, that is, up to and excluding the 2024-2025 school year.

The message states in part, "Together with the Patriarchal Vicars, after listening to the opinion of the directors of the schools, we understood as a diocese that we too must do our part through a concrete sign. Therefore, we have decided to forgive all debts of all the families to the schools of the Latin Patriarchate for the years prior to the Jubilee, that is, up to and excluding the 2024-2025 school year."

This measure is timely as it takes place at an optimum time, when the Middle East region is suffering from a steady state of war, instability, and spiking expenses of living associated with a state of rampant unemployability or rather low salaries.

This measure will actually alleviate some of the financial burdens which families suffer from, hoping to make ends meet amidst the exorbitant costs of living as well as the state of despair and hopeless that engulfs the atmospheres. This step will definitely open a pinch of hope for families who seek to ensure their children high-standard of education in the renowned Latin Patriarchate schools that are well-known for their excellence and pioneering role in the field of education.

Noting that the Jubilee Year is fast close to an end, the message adds: "For us Christians, the Jubilee Year is first and foremost a time of conversion, penance, mercy, and forgiveness. It is a time of conversion from our sins, with the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence. And we really need forgiveness. Indeed, war, violence and the many injustices we face every day can easily contaminate our hearts, hurt our relationships and unconsciously become our ordinary language, our way of thinking and acting, which we then transfer to our families, our institutions and our way of living in the world."

Pointing that "it is a reminder of the dignity of every person, created in the image and likeness of God, "the message continues that "It is a never-ending path of conversion which finds its fullness in the Communion of Saints, but which this year has sought to find new impetus. And it cannot only be a personal journey. Our whole community, as a community, must find itself again in the encounter with Christ. Deciding for Christ, in fact, means rediscovering oneself as Church. And a Church that decides for Christ rediscovers its brothers and sisters and is renewed and reinvigorated."

This divine-inspired gesture will make life easier for several families. It will help them restore confidence and hope needed to look forward for a bright and flowery future, while availing an opportunity to attain solidarity and care with definite confidence based on the fact that their children will have an easier access to education.

It is important in this regard to note that the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem serves as a spiritual and humanitarian center for the Christian community in the Holy Land. It provides education, social services, and advocates for peace and interreligious dialogue, even amidst ongoing conflict and devastation. It provides spiritual leadership, social and educational services, in addition to interreligious dialogue. Furthermore, it provides hope amidst despair, provides needed humanitarian aid, and serves as a symbol of unity. It has historically preserved Christian presence through centuries of upheaval, with its 1847 reestablishment by Pope Pius IX marking a key moment in solidifying the Catholic Church's role in the region.  His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the entire Latin continue to express hope and provide vital aid to local communities, especially in light of the dire conditions in the Holy Land.  

All in all, exorbitant gratitude and appreciation are conveyed to His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattiasta Pizzaballa for undertaking this sagacious measure which instills hope amidst the prevailing anguish, and helps restore human dignity in the current tempestuous atmospheres.