The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, led the Palm Sunday procession in the Holy Land. They departed from the Mount of Olives and arrived at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa encouraged people to celebrate Holy Week fully despite the current situation and not to allow themselves to be influenced by hatred and bitterness.
A few days earlier, the Patriarch described the overall feeling in the Holy Land due to the ongoing conflict.
CARD. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
The lack of perspective is also very difficult. In previous wars, you knew they were going to end and then you could more or less restart. Now, we don't know. I understand that we will have to start over again, but we don't know how or when.
Cardinal Pizzaballa also invited pilgrims to return to the Holy Land.
CARD. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
I understand very well that there is a lot of fear. I understand that the images coming from the media are terrifying, but I believe that today it is possible and safe to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Even though it may not be as complete an experience as in the past.
Data from the Israeli government shows a drastic drop in the number of visitors. According to the Israel's Ministry of Tourism, in the first two months of 2024, the number of tourists arriving in Israel dropped by almost 80% compared to the same period last year.
PA
TR: KG
