"This year also, during Christmas, God will be able to surprise us, but we have to be ready and open our eyes to His wonders." With these words, Mons. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who was appointed Apostolic Administrator in late June, launched the Christmas Press Conference at the Latin Patriarchate. "This has been a year full of difficulties and challenges" - continued Mons. Pizzaballa, surrounded by the patriarchal vicars William Shomali and Boulos Marcuzzo and the head of the Pastoral Care of Migrants, David Neuhaus. Syria, Iraq, Egypt have experienced a wave of violence never seen before. H.E. Mons. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem "The absence of the international community who helpessly watched the striking circumstances that caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, millions of displaced people and refugees makes this situation more dramatic. I hope that the international community supports the development and growth of this population, instead of supporting wars and divisions.” The Syrian and the Iraqi people are not the only ones who have experienced pain and suffering : the attack on the Coptic church in Egypt, the acts of vandalism against Christians in the Holy Land. The construction of the wall through the Cremisan Valley, despite numerous appeals of the church, the absolute stalling of the peace process between Israel and Palestine. The situation seems critical. And yet H.E. Mons. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem "Frustration and indignation are legitimate and understandable, but they do not lead to anything constructive. We must turn all this into something concrete, positive, we must also look at the good that has been done: even within this atrocious war there have been amazing and hope inspiring signs of life, support and solidarity.” The faith of many refugees, the leadership of Pope Francis, tireless pastor, the hospitality to workers and refugees, the rapprochement between the various Christian denominations in the Holy Land, reinforced by the restoration works of the Holy Sepulcher and the Basilica of the Nativity are taking place. "There are many reasons to be frustrated, scared and worried about the future," he concludes. "But we believe as Christians that this Child who was born in Bethlehem is our strength." H.E. Mons. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem "When you wait for someone, every fiber of your being is also waiting. You will perceive the signal. However, if you are distracted, you will miss it. As a community, we must wait for the right, intimate sign. We should not rest, we should take our eyes off ourselves and start focusing on our neighbor. My hope is that the Lord give us the strength to carry out our mission according to His will."