OCCUPIED AL-QUDS: Israeli police blocked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass, which the prime minister´s office said was done out of ´concern for his safety”.
“This morning, the Israeli Police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem ... together with the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo ... from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as they made their way to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass,” a statement from the Patriarchate said.
The two were proceeding privately, without any ceremonial procession, and were forced to turn back, it said.
“As a result, and for the first time in centuries, the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,” it said, calling the incident a “grave precedent” that disregards the sensibilities of Christians worldwide.
Palm Sunday, which opens Holy Week for Christians, marks Jesus Christ´s final entry into Jerusalem, days before his crucifixion and resurrection, as described in the Gospels.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains the sites where Christians believe Christ was crucified and where he was entombed and resurrected, making it the holiest location in the religion.
Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran sparked the Middle East war on February 28, Israeli authorities have banned large gatherings, including at synagogues, churches and mosques.
