CBCP backs call for pilgrims to postpone Holy Land trips

The Holy Land, which includes areas in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, is a popular destination for pilgrims who want to retrace the steps of Jesus Christ. Some, meanwhile, also visit places in Jordan and Egypt where some events written in the Bible occurred. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Saturday supported the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) call for travelers to postpone plans to visit the Holy Land, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat.

“The agency knew better than us. The appeal is clearly meant to protect our citizens and ensure our safety,” Fr.

Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP Public Affairs Committee, said in a text message.

He added that the DFA’s appeal is necessary given the existing situation.

Secillano said it is not the right time for the people to visit the pilgrimage sites as many of them have been closed because of the virus scare.

“Besides, the present situation wouldn’t make for a peaceful and meaningful pilgrimage. Some important pilgrimage sites have already been closed. Airline protocols, as well as those of countries to be visited, will also add up to the concerns and preparations of pilgrims,” he added.

He noted that it is better for travelers to just stay where they are right now and just travel soon when everything is back to normal.

The Holy Land, which includes areas in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, is a popular destination for pilgrims who want to retrace the steps of Jesus Christ. Some, meanwhile, also visit places in Jordan and Egypt where some events written in the Bible occurred.

Other travelers, meanwhile, visit predominantly Catholic countries such as Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.

On Friday, the DFA advised all Filipinos planning to undertake pilgrimages to the Holy Land to postpone their trips until further notice.

In its advisory, the DFA said the Palestinian Authority has decided to temporarily ban the entry of all tourists into the West Bank, including Bethlehem and Jericho.

The agency added that the Israeli government also decided to restrict all travels to Bethlehem from Israel.

The DFA also urged prospective travelers to coordinate with their tour operators to avoid any inconvenience.