Vatican expresses regret to Israel over Holy Sepulchre blocking

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican said Monday that it had expressed its "regrets" to Israel's ambassador over an attempt to stop the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday.

Vatican second-in-command Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and its top diplomat, Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, met with ambassador Yaron Sideman and "regrets were expressed regarding this incident, concerning which clarifications were provided," the Vatican said.

On Sunday, police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the church, citing security concerns as Israel enforces a ban on gatherings in synagogues, churches and mosques during the ongoing war with Iran, which has brought missile strikes near holy sites.

Pizzaballa described the incident as a "grave precedent" that disregards the sensibilities of Christians worldwide.

Palm Sunday, which opens Holy Week for Christians, marks Jesus Christ's final entry into Jerusalem, days before his crucifixion and resurrection, as described in the Gospels.

World leaders from France, Spain, Italy and Jordan were among many who condemned the restriction.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains the sites where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

After widespread backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday the Latin Patriarch would get "full and immediate access". — Agence France-Presse