Police, Catholic patriarchate reach agreement on prayer at Holy Sepulchre after cardinal blocked
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- Israel Police initially blocked top Catholic figures, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday due to security concerns amid the ongoing war with Iran.
- Following widespread international criticism, including from US, Italian, and French leaders, Israel Police reached an agreement with the Latin Patriarchate to allow limited prayer at the site, with further details pending a meeting with all Christian denominations.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered that Cardinal Pizzaballa be granted full and immediate access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, emphasizing the importance of enabling worship during Holy Week.
- Since the start of the conflict with Iran, Israeli authorities have imposed strict access restrictions to Jerusalem’s Old City and its holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, citing security risks from missile attacks.
- The incident sparked significant international condemnation, highlighting concerns over religious freedom and the protection of Christian holy sites in Jerusalem during heightened security measures.
