The Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster, has responded to Israeli police blocking Church leaders from celebrating Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (March 29).
Police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, together with the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Father Francesco Ielpo OFM, the official guardian of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, from entering the church.
“I share the pain of the people of the Holy Land who meet in peace to celebrate their faith,” Archbishop Moth said.
“Despite voluntarily responding to the security requirements of the Israeli authorities, they were blocked by Israeli police and denied that right in a clear denial of freedom of worship.”
Archbishop Moth, a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, also called for prayers for peace and reconciliation in the wider Middle East.
He said: “Assuring the faithful of the Holy Land of our prayerful support as we enter Holy Week, we pray ever more intently for peace across the world and particularly at this time for our brothers and sisters in the very place where the Lord’s Passion took place.
“Our prayer at this time is to follow the Lord’s message to reject violence and to promote reconciliation and peace.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster, added his voice to Archbishop Moth’s: “The action by Israeli authorities to block Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Custos Father Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was ill-thought-out, disproportionate and unacceptable.
“As we enter Holy Week, the eyes of the world turn to Jerusalem. Moments like this cause deep distress and scandal. Our focus should be on Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. Indeed, the need for peace and security has never been greater. Respect for the faith of many millions around the world would serve this cause of peace. Today we pray for the ‘peace of Jerusalem’ with renewed vigour."
Bishop Jim Curry, lead bishop for the Holy Land and also lead bishop for freedom of religion and belief for the Bishops’ Conference, said: “Just two months ago I was in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre celebrating Mass with Bishop Nicholas Hudson and 11 other bishops from around the world, all of whom share a care and concern for the Christians and people of the Holy Land.
“The events of today are deeply troubling. Restricting the right to freedom of worship calls into question the agreed status quo for the holy sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem."
Church criticises ‘unacceptable’ blocking of Palm Sunday Mass
