Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem willing to be ‘exchanged’ for release of Hamas child hostages
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzabella, shared with reporters on October 16 that he is ready to take over the Israeli hostages — especially the children.
According to Catholic News Agency, the Israel Defense Forces said 199 Israeli hostages — including children — were being held by Hamas somewhere in Gaza. Hamas members said they would kill a hostage every time the Israeli military bombed civilian areas in Gaza. It was reported that when Hamas first entered Israel, it killed many children in the village of Kfar Aza, beheading some of them.
In an online meeting with journalists on Monday, Cardinal Pizzabella shared his concern for the young Hamas hostages. When asked if he was willing to sacrifice himself in exchange for the children, he said he was willing to do anything to “bring those children home.”
“Am I ready for an exchange? Anything, if that can lead to freedom and bring the children home, no problem. There is an absolute availability on my part,” the cardinal said.
He added, “We are willing to help, even me personally.”
READ: Israeli couple recalls saving twin babies by hiding them as Hamas attacked
Meanwhile, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said on Friday that the Vatican’s main concern is “the release of Israeli captives and the protection of innocent lives in Gaza.” He said, “The Holy See is ready for any necessary mediation, as always.”
Cardinal Pizzabella referenced the Holy See’s offer of mediation, saying, “We offer our willingness to at least try to return the captives, even some of them, it is trying. It’s very difficult because, for mediation, you have to have people to talk to. And at this moment, it is not possible to talk to Hamas.”
Pizzabella called for Tuesday, October 17, which a day of prayer and fasting for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land. He asked that Catholics organize prayer times with Eucharistic adoration and recitation of the rosary.
He spoke about his specific areas of concern. “My concerns are essentially two: the first is, following the operation on the ground, I don’t know what to call it, the more severe humanitarian crisis that will be created. This is the first fear, because there are undoubtedly many victims. Another fear, he said, is “that this conflict becomes a regional conflict, involving not only Gaza or possibly the West Bank but also Lebanon, then the Islamic world could catch fire , all the Arab countries: I don’t know, it’s very difficult to predict the developments, but the fear of regional expansion is real, and I’m not the only one saying this.”
Editor’s Note: Live Action News has reached Cardinal Pizzabella for comment and will update this article with any additional information.
