GERUSALEMME (ISRAELE) (ITALPRESS) – The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land confirm that the questions concerning the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem, “have been addressed and resolved in coordination with the competent authorities. In accordance with the Israeli Police, access has been granted to the representatives of the Churches in order to celebrate liturgical and ceremonies and preserve the ancient Easter traditions at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher”.
This is what we read in a press note spread by the Patriarchate, which continues: “Naturally, and in the light of the current state of war, the existing restrictions on public assemblies remain in force for the moment. Therefore, the Churches will ensure the live transmission of liturgies and prayers to the faithful in the Holy Land and around the world.”.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land express “waste gratitude” to the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, “for his prompt attention and precious intervention. We also extend our appreciation to the heads of state and officials who have acted promptly to communicate their firm position, many of whom have personally contacted us to express their closeness and support.”.
“We want to emphasize that religious faith is a supreme human value, shared by all religions: Jews, Christians, Muslims, druses and others. Above all in times of difficulty and conflict, like those we are living, safeguarding freedom of worship remains a fundamental and shared duty,” the note continues. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land hope that “there will continue to find adequate solutions that allow prayer in places of worship, in particular in the Holy Places of all religions, respecting both the legitimate security needs and religious practices and prayers that are of deep importance for hundreds of millions of faithful. The Church remains in constant dialogue with the authorities, including the Israeli Police. We pray and hope in the end of the tragic war that afflicts the region, aware of the serious consequences it has on all. 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 note concludes.
HERZOG PLAUDE A INTESA SU RITI PASQUALI
The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, welcomes the agreement reached in the meeting between the Israeli Police and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. “I welcome the agreement reached this morning between the Israeli police commanders in Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, during their meeting with a representative of the office of the President of Israel to define the Easter prayer modes in the Old City of Jerusalem,” we read in a note diffused by the Herzog office. The President of Israel recalls “the unwavering commitment of the State of Israel to the freedom of worship of all people of faith and the importance of preserving the status quo in the holy places of Jerusalem. On behalf of the State of Israel, I extend my warmest wishes for the next Easter to the Latin Patriarch, to our Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and to our Christian friends in the Middle East and in the world,” he concludes.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
