International concern has been sparked following a decision by Israeli police to prevent the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Patriarch attempted to reach the church in the Old City together with Fr. Francesco Ielpo in order to celebrate the Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy. However, both clergymen were stopped on their way and ultimately forced to leave.
It was noted that this marked “the first time in centuries” that the Palm Sunday service could not be held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity’s holiest sites.
Israel: “No malicious intent”
In response, Israeli authorities stated that the police intervention was carried out for security reasons. A statement attributed to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that “there was no malicious intent,” adding that the restrictions were linked to the ongoing war situation and threats against holy sites.
Police reiterated that freedom of worship would continue to be ensured “under necessary conditions,” while reminding the public that restrictions on gatherings remain in place.
President Isaac Herzog also addressed the incident in a post on X, stating that he had personally contacted Cardinal Pizzaballa to express his sorrow over what he described as an “unfortunate incident” in Jerusalem’s Old City. He explained that the decision was driven by security concerns amid the ongoing threat of missile attacks from Iran, noting that recent incidents had seen missile fragments fall near the Old City.
Herzog reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to freedom of religion for all faiths and to maintaining the status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.
I just called the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, to express my great sorrow over this morning’s unfortunate incident in the Old City of Jerusalem, in which Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr.…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) March 29, 2026
In a separate statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu said he had instructed the relevant authorities to grant Cardinal Pizzaballa “full and immediate access” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He noted that in recent days, Iran had targeted holy sites of all three monotheistic religions in Jerusalem with ballistic missiles, including an incident where fragments fell just meters from the church.
He added that, in order to protect worshippers, Israel had asked members of all faiths to temporarily refrain from attending religious services at Christian, Muslim, and Jewish holy sites in the Old City. According to Netanyahu, the Patriarch had been asked not to proceed with the service out of concern for his safety. However, he clarified that once he was informed of the incident, he ordered that the Patriarch be allowed to conduct services as he wished.
I have instructed the relevant authorities that Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch, be granted full and immediate access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Over the past several days, Iran has repeatedly targeted the holy sites of all three…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 29, 2026
Meloni: “Solidarity” with Cardinal Pizzaballa
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with Cardinal Pizzaballa and Fr. Francesco Ielpo, describing the incident as an offense not only to believers but to all who value religious freedom. She stressed that denying access on such a significant religious feast was particularly serious.
Earlier, Pope Leo XIV had highlighted in his Palm Sunday message at the Vatican that his prayers were “more than ever with the Christians of the Middle East,” later reiterating this message on social media following the incident, without directly referencing it.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described the situation as “unacceptable and offensive,” while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that he would summon Israel’s ambassador to seek explanations.
International reactions
The decision by Israeli authorities to prevent Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday has triggered strong international reactions and widespread concern over religious freedom.
According to NBC News, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that “for the Patriarch to be barred from entry to the Church on Palm Sunday for a private ceremony is difficult to understand or justify.”
Further criticism came from Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, who said the incident was “painful to all Christians.” European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno called it “a grave, unprecedented, and unacceptable violation of religious freedom.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the police decision, warning that it adds to a “worrying series of violations” concerning the status of holy sites in Jerusalem.
The incident continues to draw international attention, raising broader concerns about access to sacred places and the protection of religious rights in the region.
Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem faces restrictions amid security concerns
Efforts are underway to ensure the safe and uninterrupted celebration of the Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem this Pascha, as Israeli authorities impose strict conditions due to the ongoing security situation.
According to available information, three key prerequisites must be met: the completion of restoration works inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the provision of adequate shelter in case of a potential bombardment, and the guarantee of full security for all participants. Authorities have already introduced measures to ensure the orderly conduct of the ceremony. However, due to ongoing works, attendance inside the church will be limited to just fifty individuals. Access to the surrounding area will also depend on the availability of emergency shelters, while entry will be granted only to those holding special permits.
The Israeli Police continue preparations for both the Holy Fire Ceremony and wider Easter celebrations, although all events remain subject to change depending on developments in the region. A final decision on whether the ceremony will take place is expected on April 1, with authorities stressing that it will proceed only if absolute safety conditions are ensured.
These developments come amid heightened tensions following an unprecedented incident involving Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Fr. Francesco Ielpo, who were prevented by Israeli police from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday liturgy. According to church authorities, this marked the first time in centuries that the heads of the Church were unable to perform the service at the holy site.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem described the decision as “manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate,” warning that it represents a serious breach of religious freedom and the long-standing Status Quo governing the holy sites. It also expressed “profound sorrow,” noting that prayer on one of Christianity’s most sacred days had been prevented.
Since late February 2026, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—shared by Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic Churches—has remained closed to the public due to the war, alongside other major religious sites such as the Western Wall and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The situation continues to raise concerns about access to holy places and the balance between security and religious rights.
