Israel Tried to Stop Cardinal Pizzaballa from Commemorating Jesus Entry into Jerusalem.

NEW: Cardinal Pizzaballa on Palm Sunday after he was blocked from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre:

 

"This Palm Sunday afternoon, we gather without a procession, without palms, waving through the streets."

 

"This absence is not merely a matter of form or weather. It's the war that has interrupted our festive journey, making even the simple joy of following our King difficult..."

 

"We are certain that the Crucified and the Risen One does not cease to walk among us even when the road is blocked."

 

"He dwells in the heart of those who have not stopped following him yet, precisely in this imposed silence, the liturgy becomes more authentic."

 

"The cry of Hosanna does not need branches to rise to heaven, and faith does not falter when outward rites are stripped away..."