Israeli police prevent Catholic cardinal from entering Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday

Israeli police barred Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to conduct Palm Sunday Mass, citing safety concerns amid the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran. This unprecedented action drew condemnation from various leaders, including US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who criticized the restrictions on religious freedom. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the decision was made to ensure safety, promising to facilitate worship for church leaders in the coming days.

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