Ceasefire deal, hostage release a ‘first step’ for peace, Latin patriarch says

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa tours the war-torn area surrounding Holy Family Church with the parish’s pastor in Gaza, Father Gabriel Romanelli. / Credit: Photo courtesy of Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem CNA Staff, Oct 6, 2025 / 17:13 pm (CNA). Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, called the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal brokered by the U.S. a “first step” toward peace.In a statement, the terrorist group Hamas agreed to release the remaining Israeli hostages, living and dead, in the first steps…