Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday mass, citing safety concerns amid ongoing conflict.
JERUSALEM: Israeli police blocked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land were proceeding privately without a ceremonial procession when they were forced to turn back. The Patriarchate called it a “grave precedent” that disregards the sensibilities of Christians worldwide.
It stated this marked the first time in centuries the heads of the church were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday mass at the site. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains the sites where Christians believe Christ was crucified, entombed and resurrected.
Israeli authorities have banned large gatherings at synagogues, churches and mosques since the Middle East war began. The Prime Minister’s office said on X that police had “no malicious intent whatsoever, only concern for his safety and that of his party”.
Police said all holy sites in Jerusalem have been closed since the start of the war. They stated the Old City area does not allow access for large emergency vehicles, posing a risk to human life.
The Patriarchate labelled the decision an “unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure”. It argued the move represented an extreme departure from principles of freedom of worship.
Pizzaballa later held a Palm Sunday mass at the Church of All Nations on the Mount of Olives. “Today, we do not carry palms in procession. Instead, we carry the cross — a cross that is not a useless burden, but the source of true peace,” he said.
The traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem was cancelled. That procession normally draws thousands of worshippers.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the Israeli police action as an offence to any community that respects religious freedom. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the action on X, saying it adds to a worrying series of violations.
The Jordanian foreign ministry also slammed what it called a “flagrant violation”. It urged an end to measures restricting worshippers’ access to places of worship.
In the Old City of Jerusalem, shops were shuttered and streets lay largely deserted. Christian worshippers expressed sorrow over the cancellation of the traditional processions.
Simon Hosh, a 25-year-old resident, said “this year because of the war we cannot celebrate in the streets like always”. He added that this year they just celebrate in the church, calling the situation “bad”.