Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa addresses Portuguese youth on peace and trust

Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, participated in a live‑stream dialogue with participants of the National Youth Journey in Portugal. The conversation, held at the Lamego workshops, focused on the war in Gaza, prospects for peace, and how confidence can be rebuilt among people living in conflict zones.

The Patriarch emphasized that personal contact with individuals, rather than hierarchical or elite structures, is essential for restoring trust. Young attendees asked about the practical steps needed to reconstruct confidence in war‑affected communities of the Latin Patriarchate, and the Patriarch responded that direct engagement with people is the only viable path.

The event highlighted the role of religious leadership in fostering hope among young people and underscored the broader humanitarian concerns of the Gaza conflict.