Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and a senior church official from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, a first in centuries.
Latin Patriarchate and Custody of the Holy Land Issue Joint Statement
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land issued a joint statement on Sunday, March 29th, detailing the incident. They reported that Israeli police prevented Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custodian of the Holy Sepulchre, Father Francesco Ielpo, from entering the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem that morning.
“Heads of the Church Were Unable to Celebrate Mass”
“The Heads of the Church were unable to celebrate Mass on Palm Sunday,” the Patriarchate stated. Both officials were stopped en route, while traveling privately and without any ceremonial procession, and were forced to turn back. As a result, for the first time in centuries, the Heads of the Church were unable to celebrate Mass on Palm Sunday at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. This event constitutes a serious precedent and disregards the sensitivity of billions of people worldwide who are focused on Jerusalem this week.
Police Decision Deemed “Unreasonable and Disproportionate”
Church officials described the Israeli police’s decision as “unreasonable, hasty, wrong, based on incorrect assumptions, and grossly disproportionate.” They also considered it a “radical departure from the basic principles of reason, freedom of worship, and respect for the status quo.”
Expression of Deep Sorrow
“The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land express their deep sorrow to the Christian faithful in the Holy Land and around the world that prayer on one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar was made impossible,” the statement read.
International Reactions and Restrictions on Gatherings
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani called the situation “unacceptable.” He stated he immediately instructed Italy’s ambassador to Israel to convey the government’s protest to Tel Aviv and reaffirm Italy’s position on protecting religious freedom at all times and in all circumstances. Israel has banned large gatherings – including in synagogues, churches, and mosques – since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, limiting attendance to around 50 people.
Past Incidents and Previous Restrictions
This is not an isolated incident. Last year, international affairs analyst Wojciech Szewko reported that Israeli police prevented the papal nuncio from entering the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre (as well as thousands of worshippers) on April 19th. In 2024, UN Middle East peace process coordinator Robert Serry reported that police detained a Palestinian procession at one of the checkpoints in Jerusalem’s Old City. The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed his allegations, stating that police actions ensured thousands of people reached the Basilica without obstruction.
