Cardinal Pizzaballa to visit Detroit to support humanitarian efforts in the Holy Land

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. / Credit: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 17, 2025 / 13:03 pm (CNA).

The Archdiocese of Detroit plans to welcome Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa for a pastoral visit in December to help fundraise for efforts in the Holy Land.

“It is a blessing for the faithful of Detroit to welcome Cardinal Pizzaballa, whose courageous witness in the Holy Land strengthens the entire Church,” said Archbishop Edward Weisenburger of Detroit in an announcement.

Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, is set to visit Detroit Dec. 4–7. He will celebrate Mass and take part in events to fundraise for “the dire situation and enduring hopes of the Church in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem,” the archdiocese reported.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has roots dating back to 1099 but was reestablished in 1847 by Pope Pius IX. It encompasses Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus. 

Members of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem work to preserve the holy sites visited by Jesus and the saints of the early Church. 

“The Christian presence in the very places Jesus lived and taught is under threat,” the Detroit Archdiocese said. Christians make up a small minority of the population and are facing personal and financial struggles, including employment discrimination and social pressures.

Despite the persecution, Christians in the Holy Land “heroically maintain and protect the holy sites sacred to us all,” the archdiocese’s statement said.

Fundraising efforts

Pizzaballa’s visit is scheduled to begin with “An Evening of Hope” on Dec. 4. The fundraiser dinner will be hosted by the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, an Eastern-rite diocese based in Southfield, Michigan.

On Dec. 5, Pizzaballa is set to be the keynote speaker at the “United in Faith: Bridging Hearts from the Motor City to the Holy Land” fundraiser in Plymouth, hosted by the Archdiocese of Detroit. Pizzaballa will share firsthand insights into the situation of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the next steps for the Church.

Christians in the Holy Land are counting on the faithful’s “solidarity to keep their ancient faith alive in its homeland,” the archdiocese reported. “Through the generosity of the faithful, we will help sustain their critical mission through pastoral care, education, and humanitarian outreach.”

On Dec. 7, Pizzaballa is set to end his trip by celebrating Mass at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak.

Pizzaballa’s “visit reminds us that the Church is one body, united across every border and culture,” Weisenburger said. “It is also an occasion to renew our solidarity with the Christian community of the Holy Land and to bring greater attention to the humanitarian challenges they continue to face.”