The Vatican calls for an end to the war in the Middle East before Easter

The Vatican's Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, has called for an end to the war in the Middle East, expressing hope that the rituals in Jerusalem during Holy Week can still be celebrated, despite the cancellation of the Palm Sunday procession for security reasons. Catholic Easter is celebrated on April 5, and Orthodox Easter on April 12.

Parolin emphasized that Easter represents a special occasion to renew the call for peace, describing the war as "madness." He also rejected the idea that the war initiated by the USA and Israel against Iran could be considered a "just war." In the context of calls for the celebration of the Tridentine Mass, Parolin stated that the liturgy should not become a source of conflict and that it is necessary to find a formula that meets the legitimate needs of the faithful. Since February 28, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other holy sites have been closed, and the traditional celebration of Palm Sunday will not take place this year. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has invited a prayer for peace on March 28.