Israeli police turned back Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo as they attempted to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass. Church authorities described the denial as unprecedented in centuries, citing security concerns amid Iranian missile threats. Officials emphasized the move protected lives during wartime restrictions on Jerusalem's Old City holy sites.
On Palm Sunday, police stopped the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, en route to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The clerics traveled privately without a procession, planning a Mass at Christianity's holiest site, revered as the location of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. A joint statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land called the barring 'a grave precedent' that disregards 'the sensibilities of billions of people around the world' and constitutes a 'manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.' The church noted compliance with war-era restrictions, including canceled public gatherings and remote broadcasts, since the conflict began, viewing the decision as a departure from 'freedom of worship and respect for the Status Quo.' Church leaders expressed 'profound sorrow' over prevented prayer on this sacred day marking Holy Week's start. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the action as 'unacceptable,' offering 'heartfelt solidarity' to the Italian nationals and announcing Italy summoned Israel's ambassador to protest and defend religious freedom. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the denial to the four clerics an 'unfortunate overreach,' noting it fell below the 50-person gathering limit under Home Front Command guidelines, unlike other Jerusalem sites operating within restrictions. Israeli authorities justified the blanket closure of Old City holy sites, including the Temple Mount, Western Wall, and Al-Aqsa Mosque, due to recent Iranian ballistic missiles targeting the area. Police cited the church's lack of protected space, nearby missile shrapnel, and narrow alleys hindering emergency access. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the block stemmed from 'special concern for his safety' with 'no malicious intent.' The Prime Minister’s Office and Foreign Ministry framed restrictions as temporary for all faiths to prevent mass casualties, announcing plans for security agencies to enable future worship and upcoming police talks with the cardinal.
