Jerusalem: In a moment steeped in history and sacred tradition, Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo formally stepped into his role as the new Custodian of the Holy Land, entering the Church of Saint Saviour in Jerusalem on Monday afternoon. The ceremonial transition, marked by the handover of the official seal from outgoing Custodian Fr. Francesco Patton, ushers in a new chapter for the Franciscan presence in a land marred by war yet glowing with unwavering faith.
Taking the helm of the Custody at one of the most turbulent times since 1967 or perhaps even since the creation of Israel in 1948 Fr. Ielpo emphasized that the mission of the Franciscans goes far beyond guarding stone relics or ancient shrines. “We do not merely safeguard holy places,” he said. “We live among the Christians of this land. This Custody is not about the custodian it is the sum of the lives, talents, and witness of over 300 friars.”
This “living pastoral presence,” as he described it, exists amid extreme hardship. The war in Gaza has claimed over 57,000 lives in less than two years, while tensions in the West Bank continue to escalate through relentless settler violence. The Christian minority is increasingly under threat from the shelling of the Holy Family parish in Gaza to attacks on Christian communities like Taibeh.
Fr. Ielpo is no stranger to the Holy Land. A seasoned Franciscan and former delegate of the Custodian in Italy, he approaches his new role with humility. “I am aware of the vast gap between the mission I have received and my own personal limitations,” he said candidly. “But in that gap, there is room for the Holy Spirit to act.”
Rather than radically changing course, Fr. Ielpo plans to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors. He highlights the diverse and international nature of the Franciscan mission in the region over 50 nationalities serve under the Custody and praises its missionary spirit. “Our friars not only welcome pilgrims but also serve parishes and operate 17 schools in Israel and Palestine, teaching peace in places torn apart by war.”
These schools, he added, are the “hidden treasure” of Franciscan pastoral work educational beacons that reach thousands of children every year, fostering a spirit of coexistence and resilience.
Even before his formal entry into Jerusalem, Fr. Ielpo began his mission with visits to communities in Syria and Lebanon. In Damascus, he met with leaders of the Orthodox Church and visited the Saint Elias Church, recently attacked by Islamist extremists. More than 30 Christians were killed in the June 21 bombing.
The stories he heard were harrowing a young girl shot while bringing a candle to Mass; a young man who threw himself on a suicide bomber to protect his congregation. “We embraced tightly at the end of that meeting,” Fr. Ielpo recalled. “It was a moment of true ecumenism born from shared pain.”
In Lebanon, he witnessed Franciscan aid work during the Israeli bombings, where friars sheltered displaced families and offered humanitarian assistance in Beirut and southern villages. He was visibly moved by the quiet heroism of his brothers, often overlooked by the global media.
Asked what he expects from the friars under his care, Fr. Ielpo gave a simple yet profound answer: “That they be good friars.” Following in the footsteps of those who, for 800 years, have kept the Christian flame alive in the land of Christ’s birth.
He shared a Gospel reflection that has guided his thoughts in recent weeks. In the passage, Jesus walks on the stormy sea toward His disciples. Peter begins to walk toward Him but starts to sink when he looks away. “This is my message,” said Fr. Ielpo. “To remain steady in the midst of chaos, we must never take our eyes off Jesus.”
Fr. Francesco Ielpo’s custodianship begins not with fanfare but with footsteps walked through suffering, solidarity, and spiritual resolve. As the region bleeds, and yet yearns for peace, the new Custodian stands as both shepherd and servant. His vision is not grandiose it is grounded in the quiet power of presence, in the promise of peace through witness, and in a Church that continues to walk with its people under the cross, never away from it.
In a land where even faith is contested ground, Fr. Ielpo’s mission is clear: not to preserve stones, but to uplift souls.