Summary
Israeli police stopped Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate a private Mass on Palm Sunday. This decision led to criticism from countries like the United States, as the area has been under attack due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
- Israeli police blocked entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for a Palm Sunday Mass.
- The church is closed due to frequent missile attacks amid the Iran war.
- Two top religious leaders, the Latin Patriarch and the head of the Custos in the Holy Land, were affected.
- Israeli police cited safety concerns and emergency access issues for the decision.
- The Latin Patriarchate criticized the action, saying it hindered freedom of worship.
- Countries such as the United States, France, and Italy have criticized the decision.
- Pope Leo XIV mentioned the struggles faced by Christians in the Middle East during Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican.
- Cardinal Pizzaballa held a smaller service at a nearby church after being denied entry.
