O Patriarch… the Cross of Jerusalem is heavy

Have international reactions been commensurate with the burden of responsibility in Jerusalem when Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land Father Francesco Ielpo were prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on one of the holiest days in Christian history, namely the day of Lord Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday (known in old Arabic as “Yawm al-Sabasib”)?

What took place was not a fleeting incident, but rather a shocking scene that strikes at the very core of religious freedom and human dignity. In spite of this, the world witnessed widespread reactions, even from countries that have long defined themselves as secular. The French position was clear, reflecting an explicit condemnation from the president; while Italy went a step further by summoning the ambassador—not only because the two figures hold the Italian nationality, but because what occurred constitutes a blatant violation of a fundamental human rights, namely the freedom to access places of worship and to practise religious rites. This right is neither granted by an authority, nor is it something to be begged for. It is rather an inherent right guaranteed by international laws and human values.

 We value all international stands including the United Nations, the European Union, in addition to other official, religious, and popular parties. Yet, the strongest and most valued voice of condemnation emerged from Jordan, which was clear and explicit, from the country holding the Hashemite custodianship over the holy sites, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, as it affirmed that what happened is an unacceptable violation, linked to what occurred weeks earlier when Al-Aqsa Mosque was closed to worshippers during Eid Al-Fitr—a scene no less serious.

Yet, what is more dangerous than anything else is the logic of “permission” particularly when it is said that the Patriarch “will be allowed” to enter. This is neither a favor nor an act of generosity, but rather an assault on a natural right. A person neither needs permission to pray, nor does a church require an authorization to open its doors. This reflects an arrogance of control over both land and people. It is a mindset that does not stop at a single incident, but augurs the continuation of violations against the holy sites in Jerusalem.

What is taking place at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is neither an isolated practice from what is happening at Al-Aqsa Mosque, nor from events happening in Gaza and the West Bank. The root cause is one thing, namely occupation. There will not be a real solution without addressing this root cause, so that Jerusalem may remain an open city, as it has been throughout history, for followers of all religions.

 I have known Patriarch Pizzaballa for several years, since he served as Custos of the Holy Land for the Franciscan Order, then as Apostolic Administrator in Jerusalem, and later as Latin Patriarch, eventually being elevated to the rank of Cardinal, namely making him a direct assistant to His Holiness the Pope in the Vatican. He has suffered alongside his people in Jerusalem and in Gaza, which he visited three times during the war. Yet, I believe that one of the most difficult statements he has ever had to write was the one issued yesterday, where he represented the ancient Christian civilization and history, the Arab identity of Jerusalem, the pilgrims of the city, and the Christian faith in Noble Jerusalem which are addressed by every grain of soil and every stone in its streets… because he speaks of history, and of Jesus Christ, who walked on this land carrying His Cross towards the Golgotha of suffering, death, and resurrection.

Today, we address the Patriarch saying: “May God strengthen you, Your Beatitude Cardinal. The Cross is heavy in Jerusalem, not only on your shoulders, but as well on the shoulders of every person who lives in this holy city and does not wish to leave it. We greet you and wish you a glorious Feast of the Resurrection, not just a celebration for a single day, but through the dignity of a people who, with each sunrise, seek independence and freedom.”

Best wishes for a blessed Palm Sunday to our Catholic brothers and sisters around the world, as well as a blessed and glorious Easter—which will be Palm Sunday for the churches that follow the Julian Calendar, including all the churches of Jordan. May our hearts remain open… along with the doors of churches which, God willing, will never again be closed in the face of a worshipper at prayer…