Israeli Police Block Cardinal from Holy Sepulchre, Halting Palm Sunday Mass for First Time in Centuries

Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Reverend Francesco Ielpo, the church’s official guardian, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, marking the first time in centuries that the traditional Mass could not be celebrated at the site. The incident occurred amid heightened security measures following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Iran, which led to the closure of all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem described the police action as a “manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure” and expressed concern over the precedent it set for religious observances in the city.

Israeli authorities explained that the decision to block entry was made out of “special concern” for the safety of the religious leaders, citing the complex security situation in the Old City and the risk of missile attacks from Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that there was no malicious intent behind the police intervention and noted that restrictions on large gatherings, including religious ceremonies, had been imposed due to the ongoing conflict. The traditional Palm Sunday procession, which usually attracts thousands of worshippers, had already been canceled in line with these security measures.

The incident drew widespread condemnation from international leaders and religious figures. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the police action “an offence not only to the faithful but to any community that respects religious freedom.” Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned Israel’s ambassador to seek clarification, while Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described the event as “unacceptable and offensive.” French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the decision, stating that it “adds to a worrying series of violations of the status of holy places in Jerusalem.” The Jordanian foreign ministry also strongly condemned the move, labeling it a “flagrant violation of international law” and an infringement on freedom of access to places of worship.

Christian worshippers in Jerusalem expressed sadness over the disruption of traditional Palm Sunday celebrations. Many mourned the cancellation of the customary processions and the inability to gather in the streets due to security restrictions. Pope Leo XIV, speaking from the Vatican, paid tribute to Christians in the Middle East who face difficulties in observing holy rites amid conflict, though he did not directly address the Jerusalem incident. Following the international outcry, Netanyahu’s office announced plans to facilitate worship for church leaders at the holy site during the remainder of Easter week, underscoring the ongoing tension between security concerns and religious freedoms in the region.