Israel Reverses Ban on Holy Sepulchre Access After Global Outcry
A major diplomatic and interfaith incident erupted in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday when Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Mass. The initial police decision, which authorities claimed was due to security concerns and the Old City's narrow streets that limit emergency vehicle access, was condemned by church officials as an 'extreme departure from basic principles of reasonableness' and a 'grave precedent' for religious freedom. The blockade triggered swift international condemnation, with world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, voicing concern and calling for the protection of worship rights in Jerusalem. The widespread backlash from the global community and religious institutions placed significant pressure on the Israeli government to reconsider its position. In response to the outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he had ordered 'relevant authorities' to grant Cardinal Pizzaballa 'full and immediate access' to the church. Following the reversal, the Latin Patriarchate subsequently confirmed that a temporary agreement had been reached with Israeli authorities, ensuring that Holy Week and Easter liturgies at Christianity's most sacred site can proceed as planned.
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Sources
Palm Sunday: Cardinal Pizzaballa blocked by Israeli police from Holy Sepulchre as Pope Leo denounces war in Rome - America Magazine
Describing the incident in which Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land were denied access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as a “grave precedent,” the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land issued a joint statement, the full text of which is quoted ...
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said the initial decision was an "extreme departure from basic principles of reasonableness, freedom of worship" Israel's prime minister has said the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem will now have "full and immediate access" to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, ...
Netanyahu restores Latin patriarch's access to Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre | Euronews
The Catholic Church's Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem would regain access to Christianity's holiest site after the decision to block him from entering the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday triggered international condemnation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. ... Police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa ...
Police reach agreement with Latin Patriarchate to allow limited groups in Church | The Jerusalem Post
French President Emmanuel Macron ... for freedom of worship to be ensured in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had ordered Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa to be granted full and immediate access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre later Sunday ...
Catholic cardinal to be allowed to enter Jerusalem's Church of Holy Sepulchre after being stopped by Israeli authorities - CBS News
The Israeli police earlier in the day told the Agence France-Presse that they had received a request from Pizzaballa and "it was clarified that it could not be approved," and noted that Jerusalem's Old City is "a complex area that does not allow access for large emergency and rescue vehicles" ...
Following a widespread backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had asked “relevant authorities” to allow Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch, to hold services at Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre “as he wishes.”
Israel to allow Church leaders to celebrate Holy Week, Easter at holy sites, Latin patriarchate says | The Catholic Weekly
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said an agreement with Israeli authorities will allow Holy Week and Easter liturgies at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, after Catholic leaders were initially barred on Palm Sunday.
Jerusalem Churches Reach Temporary Deal With Israeli Authorities Over Holy Week Access| National Catholic Register
The announcement came after the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem and the custos of the Holy Land were restricted from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday.
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