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Exclusive - Illustration - The Cathedral of Notre Dame - Paris

FRANCE. PARIS (75) NOTRE DAME DE PARIS. 13 DECEMBER 2024: AFTER MORE THAN FIVE YEARS IN THE LOUVRE MUSEUM, THE CROWN OF THORNS RETURNS TO THE CATHEDRAL, ESCORTED BY THE KNIGHTS OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE. THE HOLY CROWN IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST PRECIOUS AND VENEREAL OF THE RELICS CONSERVED AT NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Pope Francis dies at 88

A portrait of the late Pope Francis is put up at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem on April 21, 2025, after his death earlier in the day. The first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope died at the age of 88.

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Pope Francis dies at 88

People light candles at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem as they mourn the death of the late Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope died at the age of 88.

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Pope Francis dies at 88

A portrait of the late Pope Francis is put up at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem on April 21, 2025, after his death earlier in the day. The first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope died at the age of 88.

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Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Jerusalem

Worshipers light candles during the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, Israel, on April 19, 2025. Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Jerusalem

A worshiper holds a candle during the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, Israel, on April 19, 2025. Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Jerusalem

Worshipers gather during the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, Israel, on April 19, 2025. Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Easter Holy Week - Jerusalem

(250418) -- JERUSALEM, April 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Christian monks and friars walk in procession at the Catholic Washing of the Feet ceremony during Easter Holy Week, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, on April 17, 2025. Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Easter Holy Week - Jerusalem

(250418) -- JERUSALEM, April 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Christian monks and friars take part in the Catholic Washing of the Feet ceremony during Easter Holy Week, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, on April 17, 2025. Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Easter Holy Week - Jerusalem

(250418) -- JERUSALEM, April 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Christian worshipers pray at the Stone of Anointing at the Catholic Washing of the Feet ceremony during Easter Holy Week, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, on April 17, 2025. Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Easter Holy Week - Jerusalem

(250418) -- JERUSALEM, April 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Christian monks and friars walk in procession at the Catholic Washing of the Feet ceremony during Easter Holy Week, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, on April 17, 2025. Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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MIDEAST-JERUSALEM-HOLY FIRE

(240505) -- JERUSALEM, May 5, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Orthodox Christian worshipers attend the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, on May 4, 2024. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

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MIDEAST-JERUSALEM-HOLY FIRE

(240505) -- JERUSALEM, May 5, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Orthodox Christian worshipers attend the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, on May 4, 2024. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

Two women visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

People pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

An interior view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman prays at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A woman lights candles while praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Christmas Celebrations Canceled - Jerusalem

A man visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection) on December 14, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. In solidarity with the suffering in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war, last week Christian leaders and municipal authorities in the West Bank city decided to cancel all public festivities. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. It is “not appropriate,” stated local authorities. But the Bethlehem decision is only the most recent. One week earlier, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem asked Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from “unnecessarily festive” Christmas activities. Catholic churches in Galilee requested the same, as did the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land. Photo by Latifeh Abdellatif/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM