Catholic World News News Feature

Patriarch demands peace in Holy Land December 22, 2004

In his annual Christmas message, the Latin-rite Patriarch of Jerusalem has called both Israelis and Palestinians to work for lasting peace, while demanding respect for the rights of the Palestinian people.

Patriarch Michel Sabbah said that the birth of Jesus reminds believers that Christ is the Prince of Peace. But he added a warning: "He announces peace for his people-- as long as they do not resume their lives of foolishness."

Peace must be built on mutual security, the Patriarch said. And he charged that instead of increasing security, the wall built through Palestinian territory by Israeli officials "increases hatred, ignorance of others and therefore hostility toward them, violence and insecurity."

"Only friendly hearts are safe," the Palestinian prelate continued. "With friendly hearts, all border become purely symbolic, to be crossed by life, joy, peace, and brotherhood."

Patriarch Sabbah said that international leaders should press both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to recognize the innate dignity of the others, and to engage in meaningful peace negotiations. He said that the two sides have a mutual interest in building a secure peace: "Each people has the desire and the right to see its young people live, like all the other young people in the world."

The Patriarch pointed out that Bethlehem has become nearly a "prison" because of the walls surrounding the city where thousands of Christians will gather on December 24 for midnight Mass.