Jerusalem: Easter celebrations ensured at Holy Sepulchre
Vatican News
In a joint statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land confirm that “all matters concerning the Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been addressed and resolved in coordination with the relevant authorities.”
“In agreement with the Israeli Police, access for representatives of the Churches has been secured in order to conduct the liturgies and ceremonies and to preserve the ancient Easter traditions at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,” the statement adds.
The agreement follows the incident that occurred on Sunday when the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa and Fr Francesco Ielpo, Custos of the Holy Land, were stopped by Israeli police outside the church as they were planning to hold a Mass to mark the start of Holy Week.
Cardinal Pizzaballa's office said it was "the first time in centuries" a Latin Patriarch had been turned away from the holy site on Palm Sunday.
Celebrations to be streamed
The joint statement also says that “in light of the current state of war, existing restrictions on public gatherings remain in force.”
For this reason, the Churches will provide live streaming of liturgies and prayers, allowing the faithful in the Holy Land and throughout the world to participate spiritually.
The religious authorities go on to express gratitude to Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, for his timely and decisive intervention, and extend their thanks to heads of State and officials who acted promptly, many of whom personally expressed their closeness and support.
Religious freedom as a universal value
The statement strongly emphasises that “religious faith constitutes a supreme human value, shared by all religions, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze and others. Especially in times of hardship and conflict, such as those presently endured, safeguarding the freedom of worship remains a fundamental and shared duty.”
Ongoing dialogue and hope for peace
The ecclesiastical authorities express the hope that appropriate solutions will continue to be found “enabling prayer to take place in places of worship, particularly in the Holy Places, of all religions,” balancing security needs with the right to religious practice, which is fundamental for hundreds of millions of faithful worldwide.
Thus, the Church maintains ongoing dialogue with the authorities, including the Israeli Police, while renewing its prayer for an end to the war that is deeply affecting the entire region.
“The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land reaffirm their commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and the preservation of the Status Quo,” the statement concludes.
