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Holy Week Tensions Rise as Israel Blocks Cardinal from Entering Sacred Jerusalem Site

  Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, holds a prayer service to mark Palm Sunday, following the cancellation of the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives, amid restrictions on gathering in large groups, in Jerusalem, March 29, 2026. Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, prompting widespread criticism from Christian leaders and governments worldwide. Authorities cited security concerns linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, noting that all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City had been temporarily closed due to the threat of missile strikes. The Latin Patriarchate condemned the move as an unprecedented disruption of centuries‑old tradition, marking the first time church leaders were unable to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at the historic site. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that the ...

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Senate to Decide Fate of Funding Bill as Shutdown Deadline Looms


In a dramatic turn of events, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a crucial funding bill just hours before the midnight deadline, sending it to the Senate for immediate consideration. The bill, which passed with a vote of 366-34, aims to temporarily fund federal operations and provide disaster aid, but notably excludes an increase in the debt ceiling as demanded by President-elect Donald Trump.

House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of avoiding a government shutdown, especially during the holiday season, while acknowledging the challenges posed by Trump's last-minute demands. The bill now faces a critical test in the Senate, where its passage is expected but not guaranteed.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on the Senate to see if they can act swiftly enough to prevent a shutdown that would disrupt federal services and impact millions of Americans.




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