The most senior Catholic cleric in the Holy Land has urged Palestinians not only to survive but to rebuild their lives, as he led Christmas Mass in Gaza on Sunday amid devastation and displacement.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, celebrated Mass at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City during his fourth visit to the enclave since Israel launched its military campaign, and his first since a deadly strike on the parish in July.

“We are in a very precarious situation like many others across Gaza,” Pizzaballa told worshippers.

“We think the powers of the world will decide our future, but in reality, it is we who will decide how to rebuild everything,” he said.

“I encourage you not to lose hope. We are entering a new phase — not just survival, but rebuilding life.”

He urged residents to embrace “the spirit of Christmas — light, tenderness and growth.”

Despite nearly two years of war, he noted, “we are still here.”

Former Pope Francis had maintained daily contact with the church since October 2023, according to parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli.

The visit came as Gaza continues to face Israeli fire, restricted aid access, food insecurity and flooding, even months after Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire.