"Guardian of Mount Zion and of the Holy Sepulcher for 12 years" is the theme of the special video made as a tribute to Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa. He himself recounts the challenges and joys of these past 12 years in an interview. Spk 2 – 00.00.27 
(uomo IT)
 Fr. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm 
Custos Emeritus of the Holy Land “Many people ask me about my future plans. Like everyone else, I obviously have plans; however, first of all, I am a monk, I am a son of obedience. I have walked in obedience, also during my mission as a guardian, but there will come a time when someone else will tell me, just as Jesus said to Peter, where to go and I know it is for the best." Spk 2 – 00.00.40
 (uomo IT)
 Fr. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm 
Custos Emeritus of the Holy Land "I am getting ready for this step which, in all truth, is not easy nor is it simple, in view of the fact that I have been living 25 years here, in the Middle East, that is, half of my life......I lived here the most significant part of my life. I am 50 years old, and [ I spent] 25 years here. After 12 years of service as Guardian, which has placed me in a certain context, leaving is not simple, it requires preparation....I am spiritually preparing for this next step of my life, after which I will be ready to experience the freedom that I will be able and will try to have.” Spk 2 – 00.00.16 
(uomo IT) H.B . MICHEL SABBAH Patriarch Emeritus - Holy Land "I remember the Custos being young, [this was something] that surprised many, I think, because of his age, although his spirit was younger than his age: a sign of maturity." Spk 2 – 00.00.08
 (uomo IT) H.E. Mons. GIUSEPPE LAZZAROTTO Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine "Right now, I have this feeling of losing a big brother". Spk 1 – 00.00.13 The centennial presence of the Franciscans in the Holy Land and in the sanctuaries, the culture and the Christian identity in the Middle East, as well as the ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue have always been a challenge. Spk 2 – 00.00.32 
(uomo IT)
 Fr. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm 
Custos Emeritus of the Holy Land "One of the little-known aspects of the Custody of the Holy Land is the almost daily and very close, almost intimate relationship with non-Catholic Christian churches. The meeting between Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis was a turning point, or perhaps the end of a process and the beginning of another. As I said in other circumstances, the relations between the different Churches have become much more cordial: although each remains within its jurisdiction, their interaction is more friendly." Spk 1 – 00.00.35 Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa welcomed the two popes who went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land: Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 and Pope Francis in 2014. He was also the spokesperson for the historic meeting in the Vatican Gardens on June 8th 2014, between Pope Francis and the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, with President of Israel, Shimon Peres and Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Territories. During the meeting, Jews, Christians and Muslims prayed together for peace. Spk 1 – 00.00.07 Challenge with the media: thirty-three broadcasters around the world transmit the Terra Santa News. Spk 2 – 00.00.15 
(uomo IT) 
Fr. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm 
Custos Emeritus of the Holy Land "When I go around the world and people say to me: “we watched the ‘Terra Santa News’ and we have learned about all the things you are accomplishing and now we know who you are..”, this is of great consolation to me, this is a great reward after so much hard work. " Spk 1 – 00.00.04 The challenges of the difficult situation in Syria. Spk 2 – 00.00. 29 
(uomo IT)
 Fr. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA, ofm 
Custos Emeritus of the Holy Land "Syria today is a deep wound in the Christian life of the Middle East, because Syria is the cradle of early Christianity. Siria represents a deep, painful wound for us Franciscans, an atrocious war. I had the opportunity to be there just a few months ago. The country is unrecognizable, totally destroyed." Spk 1 – 00.00. 22 At the question of whether or not to stay in hazardous areas: "A shepherd does not abandon his flock ... - remembers Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa - People do not only need bread to live. Sometimes a word of comfort, a hug or a handshake are more important, especially during adversity.” Spk 2- 00.00.33 Fr. FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of the Holy Land "The first word for Father Pierbattista that comes to mind is ‘THANK YOU’: as the Custos of the Holy Land for 12 years, he has served with great wisdom, with great ability to govern and to uplift people’s spirits, and to also create those bridges in the maintenance of which we are all asked to cooperate. I think Father Pierbattista is a great asset to the Custody of the Holy Land, and I hope he continues to be." Spk 1 – 00.00. The entire Special Video can be found on the Christian Media Center website.