Israeli police briefly blocked the head of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, a move that sparked international criticism before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered authorities to grant him access.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Reverend Francesco Ielpo were stopped outside the historic church where they planned to hold a mass marking the beginning of Holy Week, according to church officials. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is widely believed by Christians to be the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
The patriarchate described the decision as unprecedented, saying it was “the first time in centuries” that a Latin Patriarch had been denied entry to the site on Palm Sunday. Officials said the clergy were forced to turn back despite planning only a brief private ceremony.
“This incident is a grave precedent and disregards the sensibilities of billions of people around the world,” the patriarchate said in a statement, criticizing the decision as an unreasonable restriction on freedom of worship.
The Israeli government said the move was motivated by security concerns as tensions escalate during the ongoing war involving Israel, the United States and Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said worshippers of all faiths had been asked to avoid holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City because of the risk of missile attacks.
According to Netanyahu, Iranian strikes in recent days have landed dangerously close to several religious landmarks. In one case, missile fragments reportedly fell only meters from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Israeli police said holy sites in the Old City had been closed to visitors since the war began on February 28 and that they had rejected a request from church authorities for an exemption to hold Palm Sunday services. The traditional Palm Sunday procession into Jerusalem had already been cancelled due to restrictions on large gatherings.
The incident triggered sharp criticism from international leaders and religious figures. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described the move as an “unfortunate overreach” that was difficult to justify, noting the clergy had attempted to enter privately rather than hold a large public gathering.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the decision an offence to believers and defenders of religious freedom, while Italy’s foreign minister summoned Israel’s ambassador for an explanation. French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the action, warning of a troubling increase in restrictions affecting holy sites in Jerusalem.
Pope Leo XIV referenced the situation during remarks in Rome, expressing concern for Christians in the Middle East who have struggled to observe religious traditions during the ongoing conflict.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog later spoke with Cardinal Pizzaballa to express regret over what he called an “unfortunate incident” and reiterated Israel’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion in Jerusalem.
Late Sunday night, Netanyahu announced he had instructed authorities to grant the Latin Patriarch “full and immediate access” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre so he could conduct Holy Week services. Officials said they are now working on plans to allow church leaders to carry out religious rites while maintaining security precautions.
