Israeli police blocked the Catholic cardinal of Jerusalem from marking Palm Sunday in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, sparking criticism from global leaders and a subsequent reversal by Israeli officials.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Friar Francesco Ielpo were prevented from entering the church, where they intended to celebrate a mass, according to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The church is said to be built at the location of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
