Israel has reversed its decision and will allow the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, to access the Holy Sepulchre and celebrate liturgical services, following the strong international pressure generated in the last hours.
The change in stance comes after a wave of diplomatic condemnations for the initial prohibition of celebrating Palm Sunday Mass in the temple, considered the holiest place in Christianity.
Netanyahu orders immediate access
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that he has given instructions to the competent authorities for Cardinal Pizzaballa to “receive full and immediate access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem”.
The rectification comes just a few hours after the police prevented access to the Latin Patriarch, citing security reasons in the context of the current regional conflict.
Unprecedented international pressure
Israel’s decision comes after an unusually rapid and coordinated diplomatic reaction from several countries, which denounced what happened as a serious restriction on religious freedom during Holy Week.
Various European governments raised formal protests and demanded guarantees for the free exercise of worship in Jerusalem’s holy places.