Pro-Palestinian protest disrupts Mass at the Pro-Cathedral

The 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Dublin was disrupted by pro-Palestinian protestors on Sunday.

Videos circulating online show around thirty predominantly elderly protesters who walked up the main church aisle after Holy Communion, carrying a variety of placards, including of injured children.

The protest received widespread condemnation on social media including from people who support the Palestinian cause and are sharply critical of Israel.

The priest celebrating the Mass appealed to them, saying: “To those of you who have come into our church at a most inappropriate time, to make your protest, . . . the Irish people have not been silent, and the Irish people have supported the voice and the actions of our government”.

“I would also like you to know that the Catholic community living in Gaza is especially in our thoughts and prayers, as well as all the people of Gaza and Palestinians everywhere”.

He then asked them to leave.

A similar protest occurred during mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, two weeks ago.

The group demanded that Christian churches, “unequivocally condemn Israeli genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid against the Palestinian people”.

This is despite the fact the the bishops have repeatedly called for a ceasefire, the Church largely leans towards the Palestinians, and the crib in St Peter’s Square in Rome featured the Palestinian scarf at one point.