Security measures may thwart pilgrims hoping to see Pope Francis in Holy Land
May 22, 2014
Many Christian pilgrims will be unable to see Pope Francis during his visit to the Holy Land on May 24-26 because of tight security measures and a shortage of tickets, warned Bishop William Shomali.
Bishop Shomali, an auxiliary of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, said that the number of people seeking tickets to attend papal events was higher than for previous visits by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. But access to public events has been limited because of security concerns, he reported.
Bishop Shomali suggested that Israeli security forces have insisted on tighter security in part because of the Pope’s refusal to travel in an armored car.
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