On Palm Sunday, Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, OFM, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Mass, marking what church officials describe as the first such occurrence in centuries.
The two senior Catholic leaders were stopped en route while proceeding privately, without any procession, ceremonial elements, or public gathering. They were compelled to turn back, resulting in the cancellation of the traditional Palm Sunday Mass at the historic site venerated by Christians worldwide as the location of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and burial.
In a joint statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land called the action "a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure." They emphasized that the leaders had been complying with existing security restrictions amid regional tensions, including those linked to ongoing conflicts.
"This incident constitutes a grave precedent that disregards the religious sensitivities of billions of Christians around the world and violates long-standing traditions and agreements governing access to the holy sites," the Patriarchate said. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre operates under the 1852 Status Quo agreement, which carefully regulates rights and access among Christian denominations.
The move has drawn swift international condemnation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described it as "an offense to the faithful" and announced that Italy would summon Israel's ambassador in Rome for discussions. Other voices within Christian communities in the Holy Land have expressed concern over the implications for religious freedom during the sacred Holy Week leading to Easter.
Israeli police cited security concerns and wartime restrictions in the Old City, stating they had previously rejected a request for an exemption related to the Palm Sunday observance. Officials noted the need to prioritize public safety in the area.
The Latin Patriarchate, which oversees the Catholic Church in the Holy Land (including Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus), reiterated its commitment to peaceful worship and called for the full reopening of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for upcoming Easter celebrations, including the traditional Holy Fire ceremony.
Cardinal Pizzaballa serves as the head of the Catholic community in the region and has long been a prominent voice for interfaith dialogue and coexistence in Jerusalem.
This development occurs against the backdrop of heightened security measures in Jerusalem's Old City. Christian leaders have urged authorities to respect established access protocols for holy sites, ensuring that believers can observe their most important feasts without undue hindrance.