To the Bishops, Priests, and Faithful of the Diocese of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem 

Dearest Brothers and Sisters, 
May the Lord give you peace!

The list of assignments and offices planned for the coming pastoral year which, like every year I am communicating herein, is the result of these last months’ discussions and evaluations in Bishops' Council. Once again, this year we have tried to accommodate the various requests, with the awareness of not fully meeting all expectations, both the personal ones and those of the various communities. 

The list is not complete, but we thought we would nevertheless communicate the decisions already reached and agreed upon, to start the handover procedures. Keeping in mind the comments and requests received, also, some considerations on the life of the Patriarchal Curia and Administration are still being evaluated, especially in the area of relations between Jerusalem and the various Vicariates. 

We will have to think about how to organize the communications office which, after the departure of Fr. Ibrahim Nino, remains without a director. The family office and the Bailasan center in Bethlehem have been unified into one center. There are also plans to open an adult Christian formation center in Galilee. Solutions will have to be found for priests who, in addition to having a parish, also have other pastoral offices. In short, as is often the case, the need to provide for the ever-increasing pastoral activities must come to terms with the shortage of available priests. I hope that some of these evaluations can be concluded in the coming months. 

I ask the various Patriarchal vicars to comply with what has already been established several times by the College of Consultors, and to personally follow up on the handover in the parishes, making sure that the new parish priests organize the administration of the parish according to the indications provided by the Patriarchate's internal bylaws. 

I know that change is difficult for some, while others would have preferred to change, but were asked to stay. Some requests from communities shall still have to wait, but they are there, and we will try to take them into consideration as soon as possible. I thank everyone for their obedience. We entrust everything to God's mercy and His Providence, which will not fail to make up for our shortcomings. 

As usual, I ask that the transition be completed by August 17th. Any exceptions are to be approved by the respective Patriarchal Vicars. To all, I extend my heartfelt best wishes.  

       In Christ, 

+Pierbattista Card. Pizzaballa 
 Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem 

Given in Jerusalem on June 24, 2025, Solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist 

Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem 
Diocesan Offices and Parishes 

Assignments — June 2025