Cardinal Pizzaballa's Video Message at Venice Biennale 2025 Addresses Conflict and Cultural Narratives

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, delivered a video message during the closing ceremony of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, part of the Venice Biennale 2025. The message was re-released following an incident on March 29, when Israeli police prevented the cardinal from entering Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass with Father Francesco Ielpo, Custos of the Holy Land. In his address, recorded from Jerusalem, Pizzaballa described the current situation in the Holy Land as dramatic, difficult, and divisive, affecting both local communities and the wider world. He highlighted the prevalence of destruction, death, and profound suffering, noting that overwhelming pain leaves little room for empathy toward others' distress. The cardinal emphasized a deepening climate of hatred between Israeli and Palestinian populations, evident in both violence and language. He argued that the physical violence witnessed today stems from years of dehumanizing rhetoric and discourse, which create a culture that diminishes the humanity of others. Pizzaballa called for an immediate end to the war, acknowledging that while cessation of hostilities is urgent, it will not resolve the underlying conflict or alleviate ongoing pain. He urged believers and cultural creators to develop alternative narratives, moving away from extremist rhetoric that dominates both sides. The cardinal stressed the need for new perspectives, ideas, and language within cultural spheres to influence society and politics positively. He expressed hope that Venice could contribute to this effort by fostering constructive words and images that build rather than destroy. The message underscores the role of cultural institutions in addressing global conflicts and promoting dialogue.