Israeli police have taken the unprecedented step of preventing Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate Mass on Palm Sunday, marking the first such interruption in centuries. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed the controversial decision on Sunday, March 29, 2026, describing it as a severe blow to religious freedom during one of Christianity's most sacred observances.
Safety Concerns Amid Ongoing Conflict
The police action comes as Jerusalem's major holy sites remain closed due to the ongoing war with Iran, which has subjected the city to frequent missile attacks. Israeli authorities cited safety considerations, including inadequate emergency vehicle access in the Old City's narrow alleys and a lack of proper shelter, as the primary reasons for blocking the Mass. They notified the Catholic Church of this decision on Saturday, just one day before the planned service.
Church Leaders Express Outrage
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the head of the Custos in the Holy Land were both barred from celebrating Palm Sunday at the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified. The Catholic Church issued a strong statement, labelling the police measure as "a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate action."
Farid Jubran, spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate, emphasised the significance of the day, stating, "It's a very, very sacred day for Christians and in our opinion there was no justification for such a decision or such an action." The Patriarchate argued that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been hosting private Masses since the Iran war began on February 28, making Sunday's restriction inexplicable.
Disruption of Holy Week Traditions
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and initiates Holy Week for Christians following the Latin calendar, culminating in Easter Sunday. The traditional procession, which normally attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world walking from the Mount of Olives to the Old City, was cancelled last week due to safety concerns. Instead, services have been limited to fewer than 50 worshippers in compliance with Israeli military guidelines.
Cardinal Pizzaballa celebrated Mass at the nearby St. Savior's Monastery, a marble church adjacent to an underground music school designated as a safe shelter by the Israeli military. Later, he held a prayer for peace at the Dominus Flevit Shrine on the Mount of Olives, focusing his homily on Jesus without directly addressing the morning's incident.
International Reactions and Protests
The incident drew swift condemnation from Italy, with Premier Giorgia Meloni formally protesting to Israeli authorities. Meloni stated that the police action "constitutes an offense not only against believers but against every community that recognizes religious freedom." She emphasised that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a sacred Christian site that must be preserved for religious rites.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed Italy's ambassador to Israel to convey the protest and reaffirm Italy's commitment to protecting religious freedom. Additionally, Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador to Italy for talks on Monday at the Italian Foreign Ministry to seek clarification about the decision.
Broader Context and Vatican Response
Pope Leo XIV, concluding Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, prayed for Christians in the Middle East enduring an "atrocious" conflict, noting that many cannot fully observe holy rites. However, the Vatican spokesman did not immediately comment on the specific Jerusalem incident.
The Latin Patriarchate highlighted that the police decision impedes freedom of worship and disrupts the status quo in Jerusalem, a city of profound religious significance. This event occurs against the backdrop of Meloni's conservative government maintaining a balanced position on the Gaza war, supporting Israel's right to defence while condemning Palestinian casualties, and affirming Italy's non-participation in the Iran war.
