Sanchez Slams Israel for Blocking Patriarch from Jerusalem Palm Sunday Service

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has accused Israel of undermining religious freedom after the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was barred from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

“Netanyahu has prevented Catholics from celebrating Palm Sunday at the holy sites in Jerusalem… With no explanation whatsoever. With no reasons or justification,” Sanchez said.

“We condemn this unjustified attack on religious freedom and demand that Israel respect the diversity of faiths and international law. Because without tolerance, coexistence is impossible,” he added.

Israeli authorities blocked Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from accessing the church, citing safety concerns.

The move has sparked criticism across Europe, with leaders such as Emmanuel Macron and Giorgia Meloni also condemning the action.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the decision, saying it was not driven by “malicious intent” but by the need to ensure the Patriarch’s safety.

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