At a time when the Holy Land is facing both spiritual strain and political tension, the Vatican has made a significant leadership decision aimed at preserving its sacred traditions and deepening its humanitarian mission.
On June 24, Pope Leo XIV officially approved the election of Father Francesco Ielpo as the new custos of the Holy Land—a role that holds both immense historical weight and present-day responsibility.
Passing the Torch in a Sacred Land
Father Ielpo, a member of the Order of Friars Minor, will take over from Father Francesco Patton, who has faithfully served in the position for the past nine years.
The transition was made following a formal election by the minister general of the Franciscan order and his council, in accordance with the long-standing traditions that govern the Franciscan mission in the land where Christianity was born.
This leadership shift is about more than just succession.
It represents a continuation of the Franciscan commitment to safeguarding sacred Christian sites, supporting local communities, and fostering peace in one of the most conflict-prone regions on earth.
Meet Father Francesco Ielpo
Born in Lauria, Italy, in 1970, Father Ielpo entered the Franciscan order in the 1990s, making his solemn profession in 1998 and becoming a priest in 2000.
Over the past two decades, he’s built a reputation as a thoughtful educator, experienced administrator, and compassionate spiritual leader.
His resume includes teaching religion, leading the “Franciscanum Luzzago” Institute in Brescia, and managing responsibilities for the Holy Land across various Italian provinces.
Since 2022, he’s also served as president of the Holy Land Foundation, making him no stranger to the religious, political, and humanitarian complexities of the region.
A Role That Demands More Than Tradition
Being custos of the Holy Land isn’t just about keeping watch over churches and shrines.
The role demands a strong pastoral presence, active engagement in humanitarian aid, interreligious dialogue, and advocacy for the small but resilient Christian population still living in the land where Jesus walked.
Father Ielpo steps into this role at a time of rising regional instability, including military conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The decline in pilgrimages and the pressures on local Christian communities add even more weight to the job.
Following a Difficult but Inspiring Legacy
Ielpo’s predecessor, Father Francesco Patton, navigated some of the toughest challenges in recent memory—including the COVID-19 pandemic, which nearly halted religious tourism.
Yet, under his leadership, significant restoration projects were completed, and aid reached some of the most vulnerable populations in the region.
Patton also found time to reflect and document his journey in a spiritual memoir titled “Like a Pilgrimage:
My Days in the Holy Land,” giving readers a window into the emotional and spiritual highs and lows of shepherding one of the most important Christian missions in the world.
A Renewed Mission of Peace and Presence
With the blessing of Pope Leo XIV and the support of the Franciscan order, Father Ielpo now carries the torch of a mission that spans centuries.
It’s a calling rooted in humility, resilience, and the pursuit of peace in a place where peace is desperately needed.
As the new custos and guardian of Mount Zion, Father Ielpo is expected not just to preserve the past, but to respond to the pressing demands of the present—and build bridges for the future.