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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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Stocks Rally on Softer Inflation and Strong Earning

                                     

U.S. stocks surged in premarket trading today following softer-than-expected inflation data and upbeat fourth-quarter earnings reports from major companies.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, rose by 3.2% in December, below forecasts for a 3.3% annual increase. This news has raised hopes for a potential second rate cut by the Federal Reserve this year.

Investors were also buoyed by strong earnings reports from leading financial institutions. JPMorgan Chase reported its highest annual profit on record, while BlackRock and Goldman Sachs posted impressive quarterly results.

The positive sentiment was reflected in the stock market, with U.S. stock index futures soaring by 1.5-1.7%. The dollar fell by 0.5% against a basket of major currencies, and U.S. Treasury yields dropped 8.6 basis points to 4.704%.

Market analysts believe that the combination of lower inflation and robust corporate earnings could provide a much-needed boost to investor confidence and market stability.



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