Polish President Karol Nawrocki strongly protested the denial of access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Catholic clergy during Palm Sunday services in Jerusalem.
President Comments on Israeli Police Behavior
President Karol Nawrocki expressed “decisive opposition” to the denial of permission to hold Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. He emphasized that the actions of the Israeli police demonstrate a lack of respect for Christian tradition and culture.
President Nawrocki stated on platform X that he expresses “decisive opposition to the denial of permission to hold Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.” He added, “Words of support go to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and all Christians living in the Holy Land.”
Police Prevent Access During Palm Sunday
The Jerusalem Patriarchate reported that Israeli police prevented Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Custos of the Holy Land Father Francesco Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass on Palm Sunday.
Earlier Cancellation of Procession
Cardinal Pizzaballa previously announced that some Holy Week ceremonies in Jerusalem, including the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives, had been canceled due to the war in the Middle East. The procession was replaced with a moment of prayer.
Holy Week Services to Continue Where Possible
The Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, usually held in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, will take place if the situation allows. Churches will remain open, and clergy will strive to enable the faithful to pray and participate in liturgy in available forms.
Regional Conflict Context
On February 28, US and Israeli forces began a war against Iran, which retaliated with attacks on targets in the Middle East, including cities in Israel.
