Jerusalem: As violence continues across the Holy Land, Fr Francesco Ielpo has urged people to reject violence and rediscover the strength found in love and forgiveness.
In his Easter message released on April 1, the Custos, who oversees Christian pilgrimage sites in Palestine and Israel, spoke about the heavy suffering in the region marked by war, fear and uncertainty. He said that the message of the Resurrection remains real and meaningful even in such difficult times.
Fr Ielpo reminded believers that faith invites them to see history through the eyes of God. He stressed that the Resurrection of Jesus is not a distant idea but a living truth that challenges how people understand power and success.
He said the world often values strength, victory and control, but the message of Easter reveals something different. True strength, he explained, is found in self giving love and in the courage to love until the end, even in suffering.
Reflecting on the meaning of the Cross, he noted that many see it as a sign of defeat or failure. However, he said it is precisely through the Cross that true victory is revealed, a victory born from love that gives itself completely.
A similar message was shared by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa in his Palm Sunday reflection. He spoke about the Roman centurion who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus and recognised Him as the Son of God.
The Cardinal described the centurion as a man shaped by power and control, yet transformed when he encountered a love that did not resist violence. This moment, he said, revealed that true power is not found in force or domination but in a life freely given for others.
Both Church leaders called on people to move away from violence and embrace a path of peace, forgiveness and self giving love, especially in a land deeply wounded by conflict.