La Croix: You received the Legion of Honor on Tuesday June 9 at the Élysée, at a time when France is trying to relaunch the two-state solution. What role can it play in the Holy Land?
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: France has something that not everyone in the Middle East has: cultural and historical knowledge of the region. This is not secondary, because we understand nothing about this land without taking into account its religious character. However, France, which has a historic role there, is very close to the Churches: we are waiting for its words and its diplomatic action to keep the channels of communication open. As for the Legion of Honor, I am careful not to interpret it as a personal honor. It is a way of distinguishing the work of Catholics in the Middle East, in schools, hospitals, with the most vulnerable.
This article is reserved for subscribers
Would you like to read more? Subscribe without obligation to our digital offer
I subscribe
