Jerusalem: Easter celebrations ensured at Holy Sepulchre

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.