In a letter published recently, Pope Francis told the region’s Catholics that he was remembering all of them in his prayers, but in a particular way, “I embrace those most affected by the senseless tragedy of war: the children robbed of their future, those who grieve and are in pain, and all who find themselves prey to anguish and dismay.”

The Hamas attack on Israel in early October and Israel’s retaliation on Gaza have led to death and suffering for Christians in Gaza, but also have seriously restricted the number of pilgrims to the Holy Land, which impacts the livelihood of many Christian families. In addition, heightened Israeli security measures have meant that many Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, cannot cross the border to work.

“I would like each of you to feel my paternal affection, for I am conscious of your sufferings and your struggles, particularly in the course of these recent months,” the pope wrote.

“Easter, the heart of our faith, is all the more significant for you who celebrate this feast in the very places where our Lord lived, died and rose again,” he said. “The history of salvation, and indeed its geography, would not exist apart from the land in which you have dwelt for centuries.”

Pope Francis wrote that he knows Christians want to remain in the Holy Land, and he thanked them “for your testimony of faith, thank you for the charity that exists among you, thank you for your ability to hope against all hope.”

He also prayed that the region’s Catholics would be able to “sense the love of Catholics throughout the world!”

“You are not alone,” he told them. “We will never leave you alone but will demonstrate our solidarity with you by prayer and practical charity.”

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