Bethlehem celebrates first Xmas in two years

By John Egie with reports from Vatican News

The 2025 Christmas celebration in Jesus’s birthplace, Bethlehem, was opened by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa who recently returned from a visit to the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza—the enclave’s only Catholic parish, where he conveyed the closeness and solidarity of the Catholic Church—opened the Christmas celebrations in Jesus’ birthplace by making the traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.

Upon his arrival in Manger Square, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem said he brought greetings from Gaza’s small Christian community, which, he noted, is animated by a strong desire to rebuild. He also expressed the hope for a Christmas marked by light.

The resumption of Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem carries significance on several levels. On the one hand, there is hope that the U.S.-backed peace initiative that led to the ceasefire may offer Palestinians the opportunity to move forward with reconstruction plans. On the other hand, it revives expectations that Bethlehem’s residents may gradually return to work, as 85 per cent of local families depend directly or indirectly on tourism, which came to a halt during the war.

Hotel owners and staff, shopkeepers selling religious articles, taxi drivers, restaurant owners, and tour guides have seen their livelihoods largely disappear over the past two years. Bethlehem has been among the hardest-hit cities in the West Bank, lacking a strong industrial base, significant commercial activity, agricultural capacity, or a large public-sector workforce.

These difficulties are compounded by challenges affecting the wider West Bank, including Israel’s revocation of entry permits for most seasonal Palestinian workers to its territory and settlements, as well as the partial payment of salaries to Palestinian Authority employees.

Despite these hardships, the population continues to demonstrate resilience and hope. Speaking to Vatican Radio’s Jean-Charles Putzolu, Bethlehem’s Mayor, Maher Nicola Canawati, said that the renewed celebrations are meant to restore hope after a prolonged period of hardship.

“After two years of silence,” the Mayor said, “we believe we have reignited the spirit of Christmas, because the people of Bethlehem needed hope—hope for a better tomorrow. And that is exactly what we have done.”

He explained that the message being sent from Bethlehem is addressed not only to Palestinians, but to the entire world. “It is a message that the Palestinian people are ready for peace. The Palestinian people love life,” he said, adding that the city is once again ready to welcome visitors. “Bethlehem is safe, hotels are open, and we are ready to receive everyone.”

Mayor Canawati also underlined that the celebrations are shared by all Palestinians, regardless of religious affiliation.

“It feels like a feast for all Palestinians, not only for Christians,” he said. “We are one people—Christians, Muslims, and Samaritans. We love each other, we love peace, and we are ready for justice, peace, and a lasting peace in our country.”