The newly appointed Custodian of the Holy Land, Francesco Ielpo, will hold the position until 2031 and faces the challenge of managing one of the most important historical and religious heritages in Christianity. His goal is to ensure that it continues to nourish the faith of believers, but the current situation is far from easy.
Christian denominations typically do not pay taxes on certain properties. The current status allows this as a sign of respect. However, already in 2024, several municipalities in the country attempted to impose such taxes. Now, with Israel at war on multiple fronts and public institutions in need of revenue due to the lack of tourism, it’s possible another attempt will be made.
The lack of tourists also poses a major problem for the Christian minority, whose situation is becoming increasingly precarious. Many depend on tourism for their livelihood, and the statistics are dire. According to government data, the difference between May 2025 and May 2019 is staggering—with a drop of up to 70%. As a result, they find themselves in a difficult situation without any easy solutions.
JRB
