Welcome back, Father Pierbattista

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued the following communiqué:

His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal, having reached the legal age, according to article 401, §1 of the Code of Canon Law. His Holiness has appointed the Very Reverend Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, former Custos of the Holy Land for twelve years, as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, until the appointment of a new Patriarch.

The Bishops, clergy and faithful of the Latin Patriarchate sincerely thank His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal who has just completed his mission and welcome the Apostolic Administrator with best wishes in his new mission. The entire Diocese joins in prayer for the intentions of the Patriarch Emeritus and the new Apostolic Administrator.

The Episcopal Ordination of Father Pizzaballa will take place in September.

We, the Hebrew speaking faithful of the diocese, hold Father Pierbattista in our prayers.