Israeli police prevent Catholic leaders from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at church in Jerusalem
PBS • • world
Key Points:
- Israeli police blocked Catholic leaders, including Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass, citing safety concerns amid ongoing Iranian missile attacks on Jerusalem.
- The Latin Patriarchate condemned the decision as disproportionate and an infringement on religious freedom, noting that private Masses had been held since the conflict began and questioning why this occasion was treated differently.
- The closure drew international criticism, with the U.S., France, and Italy condemning the restrictions as excessive and calling for guaranteed free worship in Jerusalem; Italy formally protested and summoned Israel's ambassador for clarification.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move as a safety measure without malicious intent and pledged efforts to partially reopen the church for worship during Holy Week, while other major holy sites remain largely closed due to security risks.
