Holy Land’s top Catholic leader visits Gaza parish

The top Catholic leader in the Holy Land visited the Gaza Strip’s only Catholic church on Friday to share a message of Christmas hope and support as conditions in the war-torn territory slowly improve while the Israel-Hamas ceasefire holds into its third month.Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was greeted by children in Santa hats and keffiyeh - the checkered headscarf that’s a global symbol of Palestinian nationalism - in the courtyard of the church compound, which was gaily decorated with twinkling lights and Christmas ornaments.For the latest updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, visit our dedicated page.“I know the situation is difficult, but I see with the children, the school, the activities, a little light of hope,” he said in English to several dozen people gathered for the festivity. “You have been a wonderful testimony, not only of resilience, but of faith and hope for many people not just in Gaza, but many other parts of the world.”He said the Christian community aims to