Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, the custos of the Holy Land, were blocked by Israeli police from entering Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Palm Sunday, marking what Church leaders say is an unprecedented disruption to one of Christianity’s holiest days.
In a 29 March statement, the Latin Patriarchate said the two leaders were travelling privately – not in procession – when they were turned back, preventing them from celebrating Mass.
The patriarchate called the move a “grave precedent” that disregards the faith of billions worldwide. The restrictions come amid the ongoing Israeli-US conflict with Iran, which has led to the closure of major holy sites in Jerusalem since late February.
Church authorities say they have complied with all security measures, including canceling public gatherings. Pope Leo XIV, speaking at the Vatican, expressed solidarity with Middle Eastern Christians, urging prayers for peace and for those unable to fully celebrate Holy Week due to war.
