For the first time in centuries, Catholic leaders were unable to hold Mass during the Christian observance of Palm Sunday at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. The Latin Patriarchate announced this Sunday, detailing that Israeli police had blocked their access to the holy site. Israeli authorities cited the ongoing Iran war as the reason for the city-wide closures, noting that Jerusalem frequently faces Iranian missile attacks.
The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre remains closed. Photo: AP The Catholic Church strongly criticized the Israeli police’s decision, labeling it “an obviously illogical and disproportionate measure.” Cardinal Pierbattisti Pizzaballi and Francesco Jelpo, the Custodian of the Holy Land, were scheduled to lead the Palm Sunday celebration at the location considered sacred by Christians – the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. Israeli police confirmed the restriction on entry, announcing the preventative measure on Saturday.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by religious leaders seeking to maintain traditional observances within Jerusalem’s historically significant and holy locations, particularly given the ongoing security concerns and the actions of the israeli authorities.
Topics: #holy #israeli #basilica
The Israeli police restricted religious services within the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. This unprecedented event occurred for the initial time in numerous centuries. Catholic leaders experienced a