Church bodies in Jerusalem say move sets grave precedent and is 'tainted by improper considerations'
Israeli forces blocked two senior Catholic leaders from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied East Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch, and Father Francesco Ielpo, custos of the Holy Land, were stopped en route to the church.
The leaders had attempted to enter privately without any ceremonial procession or public gathering, but were refused access.
The church bodies said this was the first time in centuries that the heads of the Catholic Church had been prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Holy Sepulchre.
“This incident is a grave precedent, and disregards the sensibilities of billions of people around the world who, during this week, look to Jerusalem,” they said.
The move drew sharp criticism from several European countries.
Italy summoned Israel’s ambassador in Rome, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling the decision “an offence to the faithful”.
French President Emmanuel Macron said freedom of worship “for all religions” must be guaranteed in Jerusalem.
“I condemn this decision by the Israeli police,” he wrote on X, warning it adds to “a worrying series of violations” affecting holy sites. (more...)
Israel blocks top Catholic leaders from Palm Sunday Mass at Holy Sepulchre
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