The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land have announced an agreement had been reached with the Israeli authorities regarding arrangements for Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Source: EWTN News.
Yesterday’s announcement came after hours of tension and controversy over restrictions on access to the holy sites, which affected Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Father Francesco Ielpo, custos of the Holy Land.
Israeli police prevented Pizzaballa and lelpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as they made their way to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.
The statement said that, in coordination with Israeli police, access had been guaranteed for Church representatives to celebrate Masses and religious rites in a way that preserves the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s long-standing Easter traditions, while restrictions on public gatherings remain in force for the time being. It also stated that the churches will livestream prayers and celebrations to the faithful.
The statement thanked Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his “swift and valuable” intervention and also praised supportive international positions and outreach to the Church. It stressed that faith is a fundamental human value shared by all religions and that safeguarding freedom of worship is a basic shared duty.
The Church also affirmed that it would continue its dialogue with the authorities, expressing hope that the restrictions will be lifted and that the church will once again be fully reopened to all worshippers.
FULL STORY
Jerusalem churches reach temporary deal with Israeli authorities over Holy Week access (By Souhail Lawand, EWTN News)
