Israeli police have blocked the head of the Catholic church in Jerusalem from entering Christianity's holiest site to celebrate Palm Sunday. The Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Reverend Francesco Ielpo were stopped outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - where Jesus Christ was allegedly crucified - and where they planned to hold mass to mark the start of Holy Week, according to church authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that worshippers of 'all faiths' had been advised against visiting Jerusalem's Old City for safety reasons following recent Iranian attacks. However, this decision has drawn strong criticism from global leaders and the church itself, describing it as an 'unfortunate overreach' and an extreme deviation from acceptable norms of freedom of worship.
Cardinal Pizzaballa's office noted this incident marks the first time in centuries a Latin Patriarch has been barred from the holy site on Palm Sunday. Both he and Rev Ielpo were 'compelled' to return back, facing the closure of all holy sites due to ongoing tensions. The patriarchate expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it a grossly disproportionate measure that disregards the feelings of billions who turn to Jerusalem during this sacred time.
In light of the ongoing conflict and the safety concerns raised by Netanyahu regarding missile strikes threatening various religious sites, arrangements are being made to facilitate worship in the coming days. However, the barring of the Latin Patriarch has sparked a wave of condemnation from international leaders, including calls for guaranteed freedoms to hold religious ceremonies in Jerusalem, amidst growing tension and uncertainty surrounding security measures in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that worshippers of 'all faiths' had been advised against visiting Jerusalem's Old City for safety reasons following recent Iranian attacks. However, this decision has drawn strong criticism from global leaders and the church itself, describing it as an 'unfortunate overreach' and an extreme deviation from acceptable norms of freedom of worship.
Cardinal Pizzaballa's office noted this incident marks the first time in centuries a Latin Patriarch has been barred from the holy site on Palm Sunday. Both he and Rev Ielpo were 'compelled' to return back, facing the closure of all holy sites due to ongoing tensions. The patriarchate expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it a grossly disproportionate measure that disregards the feelings of billions who turn to Jerusalem during this sacred time.
In light of the ongoing conflict and the safety concerns raised by Netanyahu regarding missile strikes threatening various religious sites, arrangements are being made to facilitate worship in the coming days. However, the barring of the Latin Patriarch has sparked a wave of condemnation from international leaders, including calls for guaranteed freedoms to hold religious ceremonies in Jerusalem, amidst growing tension and uncertainty surrounding security measures in the region.
