Jerusalem: Israeli police have prevented Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to mark Palm Sunday Mass, triggering widespread international criticism.
According to the Catholic Church, Pizzaballa and Francesco Ielpo were both denied entry, marking what it described as the first time in centuries that church leaders were unable to celebrate Palm Sunday at the sacred site.
The development comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Israel, with authorities citing security concerns. Israeli police stated that holy sites in Jerusalem had been temporarily closed due to risks associated with the conflict, noting challenges in emergency response within the Old City.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision was taken out of concern for the Patriarch’s safety, adding that efforts are underway to facilitate worship in the coming days.
However, the move has drawn strong condemnation globally. The Catholic Church termed the action a “grave precedent” and criticised it as a violation of religious freedom.
International leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, and Pedro Sánchez voiced concern, calling for respect for religious rights and access to holy sites.
The European Union also criticised the move, describing it as a violation of long-standing protections governing religious sites in Jerusalem.
The incident has intensified debate over religious freedom and security measures in the region, particularly during significant religious observances such as Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of the Christian Holy Week.
