Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic

12/24/2025 | Press release | Archived content

Minister Tajani awards Cardinal Pizzaballa the honour of “Knight of Grand Cross”

On the occasion of Holy Christmas, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sent a message to Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, announcing the awarding of the honour of Knight of Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in constant contact with Patriarch Pizzaballa and the patriarchate in recent months, particularly regarding humanitarian and health assistance to the people of Gaza and the Italian government's support for Christian communities in the region.

The following is Tajani's message to Cardinal Pizzaballa:

"Your Eminence,

On the occasion of Holy Christmas and the celebrations you are about to hold in Bethlehem, I wish to express you my heartfelt wishes and thanks, with a special thought that may also reach -through you -Gaza and all those suffering because of the conflict.

For your tireless work for peace, for the protection of the Christian community in the Holy Land, and for the promotion of dialogue between different religions, I have decided to award you the honour of Knight of Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy.

I look forward to presenting this award to you personally, on my behalf and on behalf of the Italian people, at our next meeting, which I hope may take place soon.

With deep esteem and gratitude for your activity, Antonio Tajani."

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