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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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Mpox Emerges as Global Health Crisis: Africa Declares Emergency

 

In a concerning development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern for the second time. This decision comes on the heels of a similar continental emergency declaration by African health officials. The virus, known for causing painful, pus-filled lesions and severe illness, first gained global attention in 2022. Although case counts cooled down after widespread vaccination efforts, this year presents a more grim situation.

Across 18 African nations, thousands of infections have been reported, with a highly-transmissible variant spreading beyond the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Even vulnerable newborns are falling ill in overcrowded hospitals. The lack of necessary vaccines and therapeutics in hotspots exacerbates the crisis. Year-to-date, Africa has seen over 15,000 mpox cases and nearly 500 deaths, representing a 160% increase compared to 2023.

Toronto, too, faces a resurgence of mpox cases. Officials urgently advise at-risk residents to get vaccinated. Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) estimates a need for 10 million mpox vaccine doses, but the continent has procured only 200,000 doses so far. Coordinated international efforts are crucial to halt these outbreaks and save lives.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize vaccination to combat this global health crisis.


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