A solidarity network welcomes 32 young Palestinians to Rome

From 28 December to 4 January, 32 young Palestinians, accompanied by their two parish priests from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, were welcomed by the Italian CLC, in collaboration with CeNAG, which made available the foyer of S. Saba, and the Roman parish of S. Marcella. The visit programme was very busy and full of excitement for all the young people, who were leaving the West Bank for the first time.

The highlight of the visit was the meeting with Pope Leo and later with Cardinal Parolin, who wanted to spend a long time greeting everyone personally. New Year’s Eve was celebrated at Caravita and on the rooftops of Civiltà Cattolica, followed by two days in Assisi and La Verna, experiencing the heart of Italian spirituality. The final celebration took place in the Roman parish of St. Athanasius al Tiburtino.

It was wonderful to see the convergence in the welcome given to this group by CLC, CeNAG, the communities of S. Ignazio and Civiltà Cattolica, together with two parishes of the Diocese of Rome and the General Curia of the Friars Minor. It was truly a beautiful team effort that made possible what many might have thought impossible.

Doors opened for them not only at the Vatican but also at the Quirinale, where the Head of State met them at his official residence. Their appeal to him for Italy to recognise Palestine as an independent and sovereign state was particularly moving.

What are they taking home with them? The certainty that they are not alone in their arduous search for a better future in Palestine; the joy of having made new friends; the pleasure of being able to walk freely in the streets without fear of aggression or reprisals; the charm of the Eternal City; the closing of the Jubilee… a true pilgrimage, a powerful seed of hope that we hope will spread to their families and communities.