This Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, raised a desperate request in the face of the crisis that is plaguing the Middle East. Within the framework of the Holy Week celebrations, the cardinal urged the powers involved to “put an end to this madness that is war,” defining Easter as the festival of peace par excellence.
The Vatican’s concern comes after the recent suspension of the Palm Sunday procession in Jerusalem for security reasons, a symbolic blow for the Christian community in the Holy Land.
THE VATICAN’S DESIRE: RITES AT THE HOLY SEPULCHER
Given the impossibility of holding large public events, Parolin expressed his desire that, at least, freedom of worship be respected in sacred spaces:
“I hope that, at least inside, the rites of Holy Week can be celebrated in the church of the Holy Sepulchre”stated the cardinal during an official event at the Holy See.
JUST WAR? THE POSTURE REGARDING THE US-ISRAEL CONFLICT VS. IRAN
When questioned by the press about whether the current offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran could be considered a “just war,” the Secretary of State was blunt. He supported the recent statements of Cardinal Robert McElroy (Archbishop of New York), who denied such a concept for this conflict. “I think it is like that (that it is not fair),” Parolin stressed, marking a clear position of the Church against the escalation of war.
THE TRADITIONAL LITURGY: “LET IT NOT BE A BATTLEFIELD”
Another topic that the Secretary of State touched on was the controversy over the Tridentine mass (Old Order). Following Pope Leo XIV’s message to French bishops asking for “generous inclusion” for those who prefer the pre-Vatican II liturgy, Parolin called for unity.
- The objective: Find a formula that satisfies the legitimate needs of the faithful.
- The premise: Prevent the liturgy from becoming a source of division or conflict within the Church.
KEYS TO HOLY WEEK 2026 IN THE HOLY LAND
- Situation: Outdoor processions canceled in Jerusalem.
- Request: Guaranteed access to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
- Context: Active war tension between Iran and the coalition led by the US and Israel.
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