Franciscan Father warns of potential Christian displacement in Holy Land

JERUSALEM — Father Francesco Patton, a Custodian of the Holy Land and a Franciscan missionary, has voiced concerns over the possibility of a new wave of displacement for Christian communities in the Holy Land following the ongoing conflict. In an interview with the church news agency Asia News, Father Patton emphasized the urgent need for the international community to take a decisive stance against the war.

Expressing the palpable atmosphere of suspicion between Israelis and Palestinians in daily life, Father Patton underscored the potential repercussions on Christian groups in the Holy Land after the conflict’s conclusion. He called on the international community to recognize the suffering on both sides, emphasizing the collective loss experienced in the war.

Father Patton highlighted the challenging circumstances faced by Christians in Bethlehem and the broader West Bank, where economic struggles have intensified due to the absence of tourists and pilgrims. Unable to work, the people of Bethlehem are grappling with a significant disruption to their livelihoods.

Adopting the compassionate approach of Pope Francis, Father Patton urged acknowledgment of the dignity of both suffering parties. He emphasized that the international community should refrain from merely being spectators, likening the conflict to a serious game with real-life consequences. Father Patton concluded by emphasizing the imperative for all countries to seek understanding and collaborative solutions to address the suffering on both sides.