Israeli police bar top Catholic figure in Jerusalem from holding Palm Sunday mass at Holy Sepulchre
france24.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass, marking the first time in centuries that church leaders were blocked from this event.
- The Latin Patriarchate condemned the incident as a grave precedent that disrespects the sensibilities of billions of worshippers worldwide during a significant religious week.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, condemned Israel's actions, with Tajani summoning Israel’s ambassador and Macron emphasizing the need to guarantee worship for all religions in Jerusalem.
- Israeli authorities have imposed restrictions on large gatherings since the Middle East war began in February, limiting public religious events to around 50 people, which led to the cancellation of the traditional Palm Sunday procession.
- The Latin Patriarchate criticized the police action as unreasonable and disproportionate, asserting that church leaders had complied with all restrictions and that the decision violates principles of freedom of worship and respect for the status quo.
