The narrow streets of Bethlehem’s Old City once again resounded with Christmas hymns as more than twenty scout groups marched before His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the accompanying delegation of religious and civil authorities, as the Patriarch made his Solemn Entry into Bethlehem on December 24, 2025, announcing the beginning of the Christmas celebrations.
In keeping with tradition, H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, together with the bishops and priests of the Latin Patriarchate, first welcomed the faithful of Jerusalem at the Patriarchate headquarters to exchange Christmas greetings. The procession then set out toward Bethlehem, stopping at St. Elijah Monastery. At Rachel’s Tomb, Fr. Raphael Tim, Parish Priest of Bethlehem, formally welcomed His Beatitude at the entrance to the city.
The Patriarch then proceeded along Star Street, traditionally believed to be the path taken by Joseph and Mary, as families lined the streets to greet him on his way to Manger Square, in front of the Church of the Nativity. There, Cardinal Pizzaballa was received by the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mr. Maher Canawati, together with municipal representatives. Addressing the gathered crowd, the Patriarch congratulated the people of Bethlehem for their decision to celebrate Christmas this year with visible and public expressions of joy, describing the city as a light for the world. He also conveyed greetings and prayers from Gaza, which he had recently visited, and reflected on the profound longing for life he witnessed there, alongside a resilient hope for renewal and rebuilding.
This year’s Solemn Entry carried a particular significance. After two years during which Christmas celebrations were limited to liturgical rites alone, in solidarity with those suffering from war, violence, and loss, Bethlehem witnessed the return of outward festivities. The city was once again illuminated by Christmas lights and traditional carols, reviving a spirit of joy long missed. While challenges persist, His Beatitude noted in his Christmas message that “it is important to have a break from all the pain and to enjoy Christmas… and to share this among all of us.” He emphasized that the mystery of the Incarnation meets humanity in its fragility and darkest moments, reminding that faith must always touch the reality of life, both personally and communally.
Bethlehem’s celebrations drew not only local Christians but also faithful from Galilee and a small number of pilgrims. Among them was Hippolyte, a pilgrim from France, celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem for the first time. “It is truly a unique opportunity to be here,” he said, noting the unity of Christian communities gathered in the city of Christ’s birth.
Local residents also shared mixed emotions. “We are very happy that the celebrations have returned to Bethlehem,” said Nala Atwan, a resident of the city. “Yet despite our joy, grief remains, especially for children who continue to suffer the consequences of war.” Antoinette Zidan, from Nazareth, shared that her last visit to Bethlehem had been before the war, and that following the ceasefire, she was determined to return, expressing her hope that this Christmas would bring lasting peace.
The Patriarch then entered through the narrow door of the Basilica of the Nativity to preside over Solemn Vespers, held in the early evening as a preparation for the Midnight Christmas Mass at St. Catherine’s Church.
Before the start of the Mass, the faithful had already filled the church to capacity, many standing for hours to participate. Concelebrating the Mass were Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar; Msgr. Bolous Marcuzzo; Msgr. Illario Antoniazzo; Mgr. Adolfo Tito Yllana, Apostolic Nuncio to the Holy Land; along with many other priests.
Among those attending were numerous consuls from foreign missions in Jerusalem, as well as the representative of the President of the State of Palestine, highlighting the event’s significance as a gathering of both religious and civic leaders from across the region.
At midnight, the bells rang as the figure of the Infant Jesus was unveiled following the proclamation of the Gospel of the Nativity.
In his homily, His Beatitude reminded the faithful that the birth of Christ does not occur outside history, but rather “enters into real, concrete, sometimes harsh history and makes it His own from within.” He emphasized that one of the central messages of Christmas is that “God does not wait for history to improve before entering it,” embracing human reality in all its pain and uncertainty. Christmas, he said, is not an escape from the world’s challenges, but “a school of responsibility,” he added that the “history does not change overnight. Yet, it can change direction when men and women allow themselves to be enlightened by a light greater than themselves”. Christmas, he stressed, invites Christians not to remain neutral, but to let the Gospel take flesh in their lives, becoming visible signs of care, tenderness, and hope”.
At the conclusion of the Midnight Mass, the Patriarch carried the figure of the Infant Jesus to the Grotto, placing it in the crib next to the Star traditionally believed to mark the place of Christ’s birth, announcing the Nativity of the Savior and praying that His light may continue to be a balm of healing for our wounded world.
On Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, the Patriarch celebrated Mass at St. Catherine Latin parish of Bethlehem. In his homily, he encouraged the local community to continue being a living reflection of the Incarnate Word, noting that the light of Christ within believers allows them to make a difference, not through perfection, but through grace. Acknowledging human fragility, he called the faithful to be places where the Word of God can grow little by little, bringing light and hope to the world.
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