The Easter celebration at Christianity’s holiest site will be held behind closed doors, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem announced, days after Israeli police barred him from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, sparking an international uproar.
On the 29th, Palm Sunday for Catholics, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was unable to enter the Holy Sepulcher after police barred him from doing so, on the grounds that gatherings at places of worship linked to the ongoing war with Iran are prohibited.
After strong reactions from many European countries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that the Latin Patriarch would have “full and immediate” access to the church.
Speaking to reporters today, Cardinal Pizzaballa said Holy Week services will be held behind closed doors, without an audience, except with a limited number of faithful and a bishop present. The Roman Catholic Church will try to broadcast Easter celebrations live around the world, he added.
Pizzaballa spoke of a “misunderstanding” on Sunday with the police, hailing the “respect” shown by security forces and the fact that dialogue with the authorities was quickly initiated. He assured that he is not seeking to gain any “privilege”, considering that the same rules apply to all holy sites in Jerusalem, the Wall of Tears for Jews and the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, where access is currently prohibited.
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