Israel reverses course after barring Palm Sunday Mass in Jerusalem
Following widespread backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has asked “relevant authorities” early Monday to allow Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch, to enter Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, and “hold services as he wishes.”
On Sunday, The Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem said Israeli police prevented the church’s senior leaders from entering to celebrate Mass, the first time this has happened in centuries.
“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,” the Patriarchate said in a statement on Sunday. “This incident is a grave precedent and disregards the sensibilities of billions of people around the world who, during this week, look to Jerusalem.”
Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar, with Sunday’s liturgy commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The church is believed to be the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/israel-bars-church-leaders-palm-144400038.html
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