Israeli police on Sunday stopped senior Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem during Palm Sunday celebrations, sparking outrage from church authorities.
In a joint statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Custos Father Francesco Ielpo were blocked on their way to the church and forced to turn back.
The church described the incident as unprecedented, noting that for the first time in centuries, its top leaders were unable to preside over Palm Sunday Mass at one of Christianity’s holiest sites.
They condemned the move as a serious violation, saying it showed a lack of sensitivity to millions of Christians worldwide who look to Jerusalem during the Easter period.
According to the statement, church authorities had complied with all security restrictions since the start of the conflict, including cancelling public gatherings and relying on broadcast services to reach worshippers globally.
They criticised the police action as excessive and unjustified, calling it a major departure from principles of religious freedom and respect for long-standing arrangements governing holy sites.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, and typically attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Israeli authorities, however, defended the restrictions, citing heightened security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Police said the measures were based on safety directives, including fears about managing large crowds in the Old City in case of an emergency.
The development has also drawn diplomatic attention, with Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, announcing plans to summon the Israeli ambassador to seek an explanation over the incident.
