Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, sparking international condemnation.
Police Intervention in Jerusalem
Israeli police blocked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday (March 29th).
Both were detained as they attempted to enter privately, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Cardinal’s Prayer for Peace
Following the incident, the Cardinal led a special prayer for peace from the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives. He stated, “Today Jesus again weeps for Jerusalem.”
“Jesus Weeps”
“He weeps for this city, which remains a sign of hope and pain, of grace and suffering. He weeps for this Holy Land, which still cannot recognize the gift of peace. He weeps for all the victims of the war that does not want to end, for divided families, for destroyed hopes,” the Cardinal said, as quoted by Vatican News.
He emphasized that “true power does not lie in violence or in the sword that kills, but in life given voluntarily.”
Israeli Justification for the Blockade
Israeli authorities stated the incident was due to security concerns amid ongoing threats of rocket attacks from the Iranian terrorist regime.
International Reactions and Episcopal Support
Statements were issued by President Karol Nawrocki, the head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. On Monday (March 30th), the Presidium of the Polish Episcopal Conference declared its full solidarity with Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land.
They expressed regret that Christians were unable to pray in the most important places of salvation history during Holy Week.
“Violation of Religious Freedom”
Bishops assured of prayers for peace and an end to violence in the Holy Land, which they described as a special point of reference for followers of different religions and a key place of worship for Christians of various denominations.
Calls for Mercy and Strengthening of Faith
They prayed for God’s mercy for the suffering land and for those experiencing restrictions on religious freedom, asking for strength in hope and Christ’s love.
Condemnation of Police Action
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the police intervention an “unfortunate overreaction” with serious repercussions. President Karol Nawrocki expressed “strong opposition” to the denial of Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, stating it showed disrespect for Christian tradition and culture.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas deemed the incident a “violation of religious freedom.” The actions of the Israeli police were also condemned by the President of France and the Prime Minister of Spain.
Holy Week Ceremonies Affected by Conflict
Cardinal Pizzaballa had previously announced the cancellation of some Holy Week ceremonies in Jerusalem due to the war in the Middle East, including the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives, which was replaced with a moment of prayer.
The Chrism Mass, usually held in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Maundy Thursday, will take place if the situation allows. Churches will remain open, and clergy will strive to enable prayer and liturgical participation in available forms.
Escalating Regional Conflict
On February 28th, US and Israeli forces began military operations against Iran, which retaliated with attacks on targets in the Middle East, including cities in Israel.
