Amman, March 30 (Petra) – The Latin Patriarchate in Jordan welcomed the reopening of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to the faithful during Holy Week, which precedes Easter Sunday for churches following the Gregorian (Western) calendar.

The Patriarchal Vicar in Amman, Bishop Iyad Twal, said Israeli occupation authorities closed the church and prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, accompanied by Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Lelpo, OFM, from entering it two days prior.

He cited Pope Leo's remarks in his address after the Palm Sunday celebrations yesterday: "At the beginning of Holy Week, we are closer than ever in prayer to the Christians of the Middle East, who are suffering the consequences of a terrible conflict and, in many cases, are unable to fully experience the rituals of these holy days," and also referred to worldwide condemnations that helped reopen the church.

The bishop commended the Jordanian government's stance and its strongly-worded statement, which reaffirmed the right of believers to access all places of worship in the Holy Land.

He also hailed the positions of Italy's Prime Minister, the French President, Canada, and the European Union, emphasizing the right of the faithful to access places of worship, without hindrance, abuse, or harassment.

The bishop affirmed the commitment of the Patriarchal Vicariate in Amman to the Hashemite custodianship over Christian and Islamic holy sites, and said authorities must maintain the status quo at the holy sites. He also called on the government of occupation to reopen Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers.

//Petra//SS