Easter celebrations at Christianity’s holiest site will be held behind closed doors, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem said on March 31, days after Israeli police prevented him from entering the church. Holy Sepulchre, sparking an international outcry.
On March 29, on the occasion of Palm Sunday Mass marking the opening of Holy Week, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was refused access to the Holy Sepulcher by the police, in the name of restrictions on gatherings in holy places linked to the ongoing war with Iran.
After strong reactions from several European capitals, including Rome, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the next day that the Latin patriarch would benefit from “full and immediate access” to the church.
“The liturgy of Holy Week will be celebrated internally, behind closed doors, without an audience”, with a limited number of faithful as well as a bishop, Archbishop Pizzaballa declared to journalists on Tuesday, adding that the church would endeavor to broadcast live all the Easter celebrations around the world.
The Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher was built, according to tradition, on the site where Christians place the episode of the crucifixion of Jesus, his burial and his resurrection.
Mgr Pizzaballa spoke of “a misunderstanding” on the day of the refusal with the police, but praised the “very respectful” behavior of the police and the rapid opening of a dialogue with the authorities.
He assured that he was not claiming any “privilege”, believing that the same rules should apply to all the holy places in Jerusalem, from the Western Wall for Jews to the Al Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, access to which is currently restricted.
The Custos of the Holy Land, Francesco Ielpo, who was also prevented from accessing the Holy Sepulcher that same day, described the incident as a “painful episode” for Christians around the world.
However, he considered on March 31 that this event should serve to guarantee, in the future, respect for freedom of worship for all religions.
“It is on this principle that we wish to continue building dialogue and cooperation with the authorities, convinced that mutual respect is the foundation of authentic coexistence and the protection of holy places, which belong not only to this land, but to all humanity.
The Editorial team with (AFP)
