The centerpiece of the CEI’s initiative is the planned hospital in Gaza, developed in partnership with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Newsroom (01/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) The Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) has unveiled plans to establish a hospital in Gaza, a significant initiative aimed at addressing the dire healthcare crisis in the Palestinian enclave. The announcement was made by CEI Secretary General, Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi, during a four-day visit to the Holy Land from September 27 to 30, 2025, where he expressed solidarity with the local Church led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
A Mission of Solidarity
Archbishop Baturi’s visit underscored the Italian Church’s commitment to supporting communities facing hardship in the region. In meetings with Cardinal Pizzaballa, the CEI reaffirmed its dedication to fostering fraternity and providing tangible aid. The cardinal expressed deep gratitude for the Italian Church’s support, emphasizing the importance of concrete gestures during a time of profound isolation and suffering for the people of the Holy Land.
“This visit is a moment of sharing and closeness,” Baturi said. “It reflects our desire to stand with the Church in Jerusalem and respond to the urgent needs of the people here.”
Addressing Gaza’s Healthcare Crisis
The centerpiece of the CEI’s initiative is the planned hospital in Gaza, developed in partnership with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The project aims to tackle the severe healthcare challenges faced by the region’s population, where access to medical care has been critically limited due to ongoing conflict and economic hardship.
“There is a serious healthcare problem in Gaza, and we want to take responsibility for it alongside the Patriarchate,” Archbishop Baturi stated. “This is a concrete commitment that will mobilize significant resources and energy.”
Beyond healthcare, the CEI pledged support for families, clergy, and youth in the region, addressing needs ranging from food security to employment, housing, and education. Baturi described these efforts as an “energy of peace,” capable of shaping consciences and fostering hope for a better future.
A Pilgrimage of Unity
The visit also laid the groundwork for a pilgrimage of Italian bishops to the Holy Land, designed to strengthen ties with local communities and promote further solidarity initiatives. The pilgrimage will not only focus on visiting sacred sites but also on building relationships with communities in Judea and Galilee.
“This will be an opportunity to respond to the appeals of local parishes,” Baturi explained. “We will organize pilgrimages for Italian bishops and encourage others to follow, as a tangible expression of solidarity.”
A Message of Hope
Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized the importance of fostering unity and community in times of crisis. “Hope requires actions and words, but above all, it needs a context where networks are built and communities are strengthened,” he said. “In moments of great pain and suffering, having someone by your side makes all the difference. These efforts are a powerful sign of hope.”
The CEI’s visit and its commitment to Gaza’s hospital project mark a significant step in addressing the region’s humanitarian challenges. By translating solidarity into action, the Italian Church aims to bring relief and hope to communities grappling with profound hardship.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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