Israeli police today prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday. He was accompanied by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Ielpo.
In a statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem stressed that “the incident constitutes a serious precedent and shows a lack of respect for the sensitivities of billions of people who, during this week, have their eyes turned toward Jerusalem.”
The decision was also described as “a clearly unreasonable and disproportionate measure.”
Respecting the extraordinary security measures imposed due to the war in the Middle East, the Latin Patriarchate had canceled the traditional Palm Sunday procession, and Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Custos were not accompanied by other clergy.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted immediately, stating:
“The Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is a sacred site of Christianity and must therefore be protected for the celebration of religious rites. Denying entry to the Latin Patriarch and the Custos of the Holy Land on such an important day for our faith—Palm Sunday—constitutes an offense not only to the faithful but to every community that recognizes religious freedom.”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani added that he has requested the Israeli ambassador to Rome be summoned to the ministry tomorrow to provide explanations regarding the incident.
Earlier today, during a prayer service on the Mount of Olives, held without the presence of the faithful, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem stated:
“Standing before Jerusalem, in the particularly complex situation we are experiencing, we wish to reunite with Jesus, to enter Jerusalem, and once again learn how to dwell in this city. We want to remain a community that seeks to build solidarity, friendship, and brotherhood, in communion with all, and to be instruments of peace and reconciliation.”
