The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announced the resolution of restrictions imposed on Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

This agreement was reached in coordination with local authorities and after an agreement with the Israeli Police, guaranteeing access for church representatives.

The aim is to carry out the liturgies and preserve ancient Easter traditions in this sacred place. Current restrictions on public gatherings remain in place due to the ongoing state of war.

Due to access limitations, ecclesiastical institutions have announced that all prayers and liturgies will be broadcast live.

This will allow the faithful, both in the Holy Land and around the world, to follow the ceremonies.

This measure seeks to ensure the participation of believers despite the restrictions imposed by the conflict.

Religious authorities expressed their “sincere gratitude” to the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, for his intervention.

They also valued the support of various heads of state and international officials who expressed their closeness and defended the importance of protecting freedom of worship in the region.

This international support was crucial for the resolution of the conflict.

The resolution comes after a tense episode on Palm Sunday, when Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from accessing the Basilica to officiate a private Mass with only three companions.

This occurred despite the group complying with the seating limit of 50 people established.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revoked the ban on Monday morning, ordering full access to the Holy Sepulchre.

The previous blockade generated an immediate wave of international consternation and condemnation from leaders of Spain, Italy, France and other European countries.

Added to these criticisms was the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who called the measure unjustifiable.

Huckabee pointed to unequal treatment by the authorities, arguing that the restrictions were not being applied with the same severity in Jewish prayers.

Finally, the Latin Patriarchate and the Custody reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and the preservation of the Status Quo.

At the same time, they offered a prayer for the end of the “tragic war” affecting the region.

They showed their concern about the serious consequences of the conflict on the population.