Detroit – Nabd El-Haya – The Archdiocese of Detroit has announced a forthcoming visit by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from December 4 to 7. The pastoral tour aims to strengthen solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land and support their spiritual and humanitarian initiatives.
As part of the visit, the Archdiocese will host an event on Friday, December 5, titled “United in Faith: Bridging Hearts from the Motor City to the Holy Land.” The gathering will bring together the faithful and feature Cardinal Pizzaballa, who will provide firsthand insights into the current situation in the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and outline prospects for the Church’s future.
The Archdiocese highlighted that “the Christian presence in the very places where Jesus lived and taught is under threat. Today, Christians represent a very small minority of the population, facing significant personal and financial challenges, including widespread employment discrimination and intense social pressures. Despite these difficulties, they heroically maintain and protect the holy sites, relying on our solidarity to keep their ancient faith alive in its homeland.”
The evening will include a dinner accompanied by a cultural program, during which Cardinal Pizzaballa will review the Church’s ongoing efforts in the Holy Land and ways to support its mission through pastoral care, education, and humanitarian work.
On behalf of Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger, the Archdiocese invited the faithful to participate in this extraordinary moment of unity and support—through event attendance, donations, or prayers for the Church in the Holy Land—emphasizing that “the generosity of the faithful reflects Detroit’s solidarity with the Holy Land and affirms our shared mission in Christ to bring light, peace, and love to the world.”
Cardinal Pizzaballa’s visit will conclude on December 7 with a Mass at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak.