Israeli police prevented senior Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City on Palm Sunday, citing security concerns and restricting access during the traditional procession.
Officers blocked the main entrance, forcing clergy and worshippers to use a side door and limiting the number allowed inside for the Palm Sunday Mass, which marks the beginning of Holy Week.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, criticised the restrictions as disproportionate. “We came here to pray, not to cause trouble. This is our church and our feast day,” he told reporters outside the site.
Church officials said the police action undermined the spirit of the holy day and was not in line with previous arrangements for major Christian holidays.
Italy condemns decision
Italy formally protested the incident to Israeli authorities. Premier Giorgia Meloni said that the police action “constitutes an offense not only against believers but against every community that recognizes religious freedom.”
“The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is a sacred site of Christianity, and as such must be preserved and protected for the celebration of sacred rites,” Meloni said. “Preventing the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering, especially on a solemnity central to the faith such as Palm Sunday, constitutes an offense not only against believers but against every community that recognizes religious freedom.”
Meloni’s conservative government tried to keep a balanced position with Israel during the war in Gaza, supporting Israel’s right to defense but condemning the toll on Palestinians.
The Italian leader has also said that Italy won’t participate in the Iran war, while affirming that the Islamic Republic can’t be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.
Israeli leader explains closure
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday evening that there was no “malicious intent” and that the cardinal was prevented from accessing the church because of safety concerns, but that Israel would try to partially open the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the coming days.
“Given the holiness of the week leading up to Easter for the world’s Christians, Israel’s security arms are putting together a plan to enable church leaders to worship at the holy site in the coming days,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
The incident occurred as regional tensions remain high following the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
