Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, received the annual peace prize from the University of Haifa’s Laboratory for Religious Studies on Thursday. The award was given in recognition of his actions and leadership during the Swords of Iron War.
A moral focus and a sense of responsibility have marked the Patriarch's conduct since the conflict began. Early in the war, he offered to exchange himself for the hostages held by Hamas.
In December 2024, at a peak point of the fighting, he visited the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza for Christmas. Pizzaballa offered support to the local community there. He refused to leave the Catholic church during bombardments, maintaining a presence alongside his community despite the personal risk.
In recent months, the Cardinal has publicly condemned attacks on civilians on both sides and rejected proposals, including calls for population transfers. This stance reflects his commitment to justice and human dignity.
Over the years, he has consistently advocated for interfaith dialogue, listening, cooperation, and the pursuit of connection across communities.
Pizzaballa's impartiality praised by Haifa University
Uriel Simonsohn, head of the University’s Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies, stated that Pizzaballa’s "impartial presence in Jerusalem during these times of peril, his outreach to Jewish and Muslim leaders, and his stand alongside those who suffer have offered us an example of what spiritual leadership can mean.”
The peace prize is awarded annually by the Laboratory at its symposium to honor individuals whose work embodies the values of peace, dialogue, and a shared society.
The prize reflects the Lab’s mission to advance listening, tolerance, and partnership among communities in Israel and beyond.