Summary
Israel's police stopped two Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass due to safety concerns. The church officials called this event unprecedented in centuries. Israeli leaders stated the decision was due to wartime safety concerns with ongoing missile threats.
Key Facts
- Two Catholic leaders, Cardinal Pizzaballa and Father Ielpo, were stopped by Israeli police from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Israeli police cited safety concerns related to potential missile threats as the reason for the restriction.
- The church leaders described the event as unprecedented, saying they could not celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at the site for the first time in centuries.
- The decision was made amid ongoing wartime restrictions in Jerusalem because of missile threats from Iran.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said there was no malicious intent, and efforts were being made to allow church access safely.
- Israeli President Herzog assured the commitment to freedom of religion and maintaining the status of holy sites.
- Church authorities have been canceling public gatherings and arranging broadcasts for services since the Iran-related conflict began.
