Author Archives: Holy See

It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the tragic event that occurred in Italy on 24 August, where a powerful earthquake struck, resulting in the loss several lives. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this time of unimaginable grief.

We offer our support and assistance to the affected region and reaffirm our commitment to working together, both nationally and internationally, to mitigate the impact of future disasters and to ensure the safety and well-being of all our global citizens.

— 26 August 2016

On 3 January 2014, seventeen elders witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Mother in Pisgat Ze’ev, Jerusalem. Elders were planning on sending representatives to Sierra Leone the following month, but the Blessed Mother gave a stern warning. She stated, “Members of the House of the Assembly should not travel to Sierra Leone. There are many who are sick from a deadly disease in western Africa and many will die. Thousands upon thousands will die because of this disease. It is imperative that you remain in the Holy Land at this time. In the year 2017, it will be safer, but you should remain cautious.”

We advise that members of the Church who planned to visit any area of western Africa, refrain from doing so for until after 2017.

Additionally the Blessed Mother stated that there would be widespread disease in central Africa five years from now.

— 6 January 2014

{Update: The Ebola outbreak took place from 2014 through 2016 with smaller pockets of the population becoming infected in various countries. There was what also an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2019.}

Our hearts go out to the victims of the recent building collapse and their families, who continue to bear the emotional and physical scars of this tragedy that took place on 24 April in Bangladesh.

— 26 April 2013

We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded on 20 April when a powerful earthquake struck the Sichuan region of China. Our hearts go out to the affected individuals and their families as they grapple with the loss and extensive injuries caused by this disaster.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost their dear ones and express our sincere hope for the swift recovery of those injured.

— 22 April 2013

The House of the Assembly of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem feels compelled to express our grave concerns regarding the appointment of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as pope. While we respect the sovereignty of the Roman Catholic Church and its centuries-old traditions, we believe it is our duty to caution against the potential risks associated with this appointment.

Our concerns stem from the following observations:

The appointment of Bergoglio will, regrettably, show signs of distancing the Roman Catholic Church from its ancient heritage. His liberal perspective and limited engagement with the Traditional Community have raised questions about the Church’s willingness to embrace its ancient roots.

We urge the Vatican to consider the implications of Bergoglio’s near silence on the child sexual abuse scandals within the Roman Catholic Church. It is our belief that a lack of attention to this very serious problem is an indication of complicity.

We believe that Bergoglio’s approach to interfaith dialogue will be nothing less than reckless and will be perceived as dangerous and paganistic.

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is dedicated to promoting unity, understanding, and spiritual growth throughout the world. While we respect the autonomy of the Roman Catholic Church, we implore its authorities to consider these concerns seriously and engage in open, constructive dialogue with those who have additional information concerning Bergoglio and his background and intentions for the future of the Catholic Church.

— 23 March 2013

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem offers its heartfelt condolences to the people of Chile in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that has shaken their nation. The devastating impact of this natural disaster, which has also triggered a destructive tsunami across the Pacific, has left at least 500 lives lost, and the magnitude of this tragedy is deeply felt by us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones and with those who are grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.

This horrible disaster underscores the urgent need for international solidarity and support. It is our sincere hope that the global community will rally together to provide immediate assistance and aid to the affected regions, helping the people of Chile as they begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives and communities.

— 3 March 2010

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the people of Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck their nation’s capital. The tragic loss of hundreds of thousands of lives is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the survivors who have lost their loved ones and to those who are facing immense challenges and suffering in the aftermath of this natural disaster. We stand in solidarity with the Haitian people during this incredibly difficult time.

In the face of such overwhelming adversity, it is imperative that the international community comes together to provide immediate relief and assistance to the affected communities. We call upon governments, organizations, and individuals around the world to extend their support and aid to Haiti, helping to rebuild the shattered lives and infrastructure.

May the people of Haiti find the strength to rebuild their nation, and may they know that they are not alone in their struggle to overcome this tragedy.

— 26 January 2010

The devastating events of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami that struck the eastern region of Japan on 11 March left an indelible mark on our collective memory. Tragically, this natural disaster claimed thousands of lives, with thousands still missing, reminding us of the lasting impact that such catastrophic events can have on communities and the world.

The far-reaching consequences of this disaster are being felt globally as tsunami warnings were issued in several countries. The urgency and scale of the situation prompted the declaration of emergencies at four nuclear power plants affected by the earthquake, with a critical situation unfolding at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

The damage inflicted upon multiple units at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant resulted in several workers sustaining injuries and the release of massive amounts of contaminants into the environment including the ocean.

Our thoughts and condolences continue to go out to the victims and their families.

— 20 March 2011

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in Baghdad, Iraq, with the two suicide attacks that claimed the lives of more than 150 innocent people and left more than 700 others injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.

We strongly condemn these acts of violence that have once again shaken the peace and stability of the region. Such senseless acts of terror have no place in any civilized society, and we call upon the international community to unite in the pursuit of peace and justice. We urge the authorities in Iraq to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice swiftly, and to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of their citizens.

May the victims of these attacks find solace and strength in the midst of their suffering, and may the international community stand together in solidarity against the scourge of terrorism, striving for a world where peace and harmony prevail.

— 1 November 2009

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem extends its deepest condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones affected by the devastating air crash in Jannatabad village, Qazvin Province. This tragedy has shaken us all, and our hearts go out to those who have lost their lives in this terrible incident.

In times of such sorrow and grief, it is important to come together as a community, offering support and solace to those who are suffering. We call upon members of the Church to join us in prayer for the victims and their families, that they may find strength and comfort in their time of need.

May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may the injured recover speedily.

— 20 July 2009