French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israeli authorities on Sunday after a church leader was reportedly barred from entering a major Christian site in Jerusalem during Palm Sunday observances.
Macron said the action taken by Israeli police added to what he described as growing concerns over restrictions affecting religious sites in the city.
He also voiced support for Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and stressed that freedom of worship in Jerusalem should be upheld for all faiths.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo were stopped while on their way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and were forced to turn back.
Church officials said the two were traveling privately when they were prevented from proceeding to the site where Palm Sunday rites were to be held.
The patriarchate noted that the incident was unprecedented, saying it was the first time in centuries that senior church leaders were unable to lead Palm Sunday ceremonies at the location.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, one of the most important periods in the Christian calendar.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is considered among the holiest places in Christianity, drawing pilgrims from around the world each year.
