Israeli Police Bar Catholic Cardinal from Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday

Israeli Police Prevent Catholic Leaders from Entering Holy Sites in Jerusalem

On Palm Sunday, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Francesco lelpo, the official Guardian of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Catholic Church stated that this was the first time in centuries that the heads of the church were unable to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass at the site.

The decision was made due to safety concerns related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has also affected the Muslim month of Ramadan. As a result, all holy sites in Jerusalem were closed to visitors. The police cited the difficulty in accessing emergency services in the Old City as the reason for their actions.

In response, the Catholic Church expressed its disappointment with the decision, stating that it was “manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate”. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the action, calling it an “offence not only to the faithful, but to any community that respects religious freedom”.

French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke out against the decision, emphasizing the importance of guaranteeing worship for all religions in Jerusalem. The incident has sparked international condemnation, with Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoning Israel’s ambassador over the matter.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a significant site in Jerusalem, and its closure has been met with concern from various countries and religious groups.

Source: Al Jazeera