No go for churchmen at holy site

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The leaders of the four main churches in Ireland have been refused entry to a holy site in Jerusalem during a visit to the Middle East.

It is understood a local Jewish settler objected to the leaders wearing crucifixes when they made an unscheduled stop at the Western Wall.

The Israeli government said it was unaware of the visit to the wall.

A spokesman said that the four churchmen would be welcomed if they made another visit.

Cardinal Brady said they had accepted an apology from the Israeli government.

"That place is one of tension and high sensitivities," he said.

"In fact, if we have caused some inconvenience to them, we regret it very much.

"That is not our intention. We are here on a pastoral visit to promote understanding and peace."