Israel government reverses decision to bar priests from conducting Palm Sunday Mass in Jerusalem after global criticism

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed an earlier decision restricting access to a key Christian holy site in Jerusalem, following widespread backlash. Netanyahu said he had directed authorities to allow Pierbattista Pizzaballa to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and conduct Palm Sunday services. The move came after the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem revealed that Israeli police had, for the first time in centuries, prevented senior church leaders from entering the church to celebrate Mass. The Patriarchate described the incident as a grave precedent that disregards the sensitivities of Christians worldwide during Holy Week, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is widely believed to be the site of his burial and resurrection.  Israeli authorities said the restrictions were due to security concerns amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, noting that recent missile attacks had landed close to the holy site. Police later approved a limited prayer arrangement at the church, while maintaining restrictions at other religious sites, including the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Netanyahus office denied any malicious intent, stating that the measures were taken solely to ensure public safety. However, it added that plans were being made to allow religious leaders to worship at the site in the coming days. The decision drew strong international criticism. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the restriction as an insult to religious freedom, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called it unacceptable and summoned Israels ambassador. Religious leaders also reacted, with Pope Leo condemning violence and urging peace, noting that many Christians in the Middle East were unable to fully observe their religious rites due to the ongoing conflict. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, also criticised restrictions on access to religious sites, describing them as violations of international law.  The post Israel government reverses decision to bar priests from conducting Palm Sunday Mass in Jerusalem after global criticism appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.