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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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Canada's Unemployment Rate Hits 6.8% Amidst Job Market Challenges


Despite a significant increase in hiring, Canada's unemployment rate rose to 6.8% in November, marking the highest level since January 2017, excluding the pandemic period. The economy added 51,000 jobs last month, with most of the gains in full-time employment. However, the rise in unemployment was driven by more people entering the job market, reflecting ongoing challenges in the labor market.

The Bank of Canada is closely monitoring these developments as it prepares for its upcoming interest rate decision. High interest rates have cooled the labor market over the past year, leading to longer periods of unemployment for many Canadians. The job report also highlighted that 46.3% of unemployed Canadians in November had not worked in the last year or had never worked, up from 39.5% a year ago.

As the country navigates these economic headwinds, the focus remains on balancing job growth with inflation control and interest rate adjustments.




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