Attaqwaa.org

On March 29, 2026, tensions flared when Israeli authorities stopped Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The cardinal, accompanied by Father Francesco Ielpo, the church's official Guardian, was on his way to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass. Both were turned back by Israeli police, sparking outrage and diplomatic protests.

The Patriarchate confirmed that Pizzaballa and Ielpo were traveling privately, without any ceremonial signs, but they were still prevented from reaching the holy site. This marked the first time in centuries that church leaders could not celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The annual Palm Sunday celebrations had already been canceled due to security restrictions imposed by Israel's Home Front Command. Nevertheless, blocking the cardinal and guardian during a private visit drew sharp criticism from multiple countries and religious authorities.

The Vatican described the incident as unprecedented, summoning Israel's ambassador and condemning the move as a violation of freedom of worship and the established status of holy sites. Italy followed suit, with Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani expressing solidarity with the church leaders and defending religious freedom.

France also criticized the Israeli action. President Emmanuel Macron labeled the blockage unacceptable, highlighting the importance of protecting freedom of worship in Jerusalem for all faiths. Similarly, Palestinian authorities called the police action illegal and a serious violation of basic rights, especially the right to worship.

Israel defended the measure as a temporary safety precaution following recent Iranian missile attacks near Jerusalem's holy sites. Officials assured that plans were underway to allow church leaders to access the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the coming days, citing public safety as the main reason for the restriction.


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