"The Israeli police said they blocked the leaders-Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Rev. Francesco Ielpo-from the church out of concerns for their safety. This was the first time in centuries that senior church officials had been unable to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at the church."
"Dean Elsdunne, an Israeli police spokesman, said the church leaders had been blocked from the building because the Church of the Holy Sepulcher would be difficult to access in an emergency. The narrow alleys of the Old City mean a single incident can become a tragedy."
"The closures of holy sites have stemmed from a lack of sheltered spaces amid frequent missile attacks from Iran, according to Israeli officials."
Palm Sunday marked the beginning of Holy Week, a significant time for Christians. For the first time in centuries, church leaders were blocked from celebrating Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher due to safety concerns. Israeli police cited difficulties in accessing the church during emergencies as the reason for the closure. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed disappointment over this unprecedented situation, highlighting the impact of ongoing conflict and missile attacks on holy sites in Israel.
Read at Esquire
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