White House Concerned Over Cardinal's Access to Holy Site

The White House responded to the incident where Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, was reportedly prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Palm Sunday observances. This occurred as Israeli authorities closed several holy locations in the Old City due to security concerns during the Holy Week period.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, raised concerns about the closure of sacred religious sites in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of allowing worshippers safe access to these locations. Leavitt stated that safety remains a top priority and expressed hope that Israel would take steps to reopen the sites during Holy Week.

The incident coincided with heightened security concerns in Jerusalem, where thousands of Christian pilgrims typically visit sacred sites during this time.