"I feel a great responsibility to address Catholic bishops worldwide, on behalf of the Holy Father, to convey the Church's call in response to the cries of those who suffer greatly... We are in urgent need of generous giving from your communities." These words, signed by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, and Archbishop Michel Jalakh, Secretary of the same dicastery, were part of a special appeal for fundraising to support Christians in the Holy Land.
The letter, published by the Vatican Press Office, emphasized that everyone, especially children, has the right to live in peace, reclaim their homes and schools, and play together without fear. It highlighted the unique value of the holy sites, describing them as the embodiment of the Incarnation. From the beginning, Christian communities of various traditions have preserved these sites, with the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land maintaining them with exemplary dedication over centuries. Rooted in these sacred places, significant pastoral initiatives have arisen, such as parishes, schools, hospitals, care homes, and centers supporting migrants, displaced persons, and refugees—reflecting the Church's profound humanitarian and spiritual role in the Holy Land.
The appeal continued: "I urge you, dear bishops, to be convincing messengers of this commitment, remembering the images of destruction and death that constantly appear before your eyes in these times of renewed suffering. The Holy Land, the holy places, and the sacred people of God are your family and our shared heritage. Please consider this fundraising campaign one of your pastoral priorities, as it concerns our precious heritage that directly dates back to the time of Jesus. I am confident that your enthusiasm and dedication will inspire the communities entrusted to you."
The "Collection for the Holy Land" campaign was initiated by the Popes to maintain a strong connection between believers worldwide and the holy sites. It serves as the primary source of material support for Christian life in the Holy Land and as a means for the universal Church to express solidarity with church communities in the Middle East.
The document provided a detailed summary of the projects and initiatives funded by the 2023/2024 campaign. It noted that the ongoing war and economic crises have significantly reduced pilgrimage revenues and local donations, leading to the restructuring of many projects and prioritizing essential humanitarian needs.