Israeli authorities barred senior Christian church leaders from entering Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead Palm Sunday Mass, marking what church officials described as the first such disruption in centuries and drawing international criticism over restrictions on religious access.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Israeli police prevented top Catholic figures—including Pierbattista Pizzaballa—from entering the church compound to conduct the traditional service. Church officials said the move broke long-standing arrangements governing worship at the site during Holy Week.
Israeli authorities said the decision was based on security concerns linked to the ongoing regional conflict and recent missile threats affecting Jerusalem’s Old City. Officials noted that the area’s limited emergency access routes and lack of bomb-shelter infrastructure made large gatherings particularly difficult to manage during heightened alert conditions.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of Christianity’s holiest sites and traditionally hosts major ceremonies marking the start of Holy Week. Church leaders said the blocked service would have been limited in size and conducted under safety guidelines, but access was still denied.
The decision prompted criticism from several international figures and governments, including officials in Europe and the United States, who called for protection of religious freedom in Jerusalem’s Old City. Some Israeli leaders later expressed regret over the incident and indicated efforts were underway to restore access for upcoming Easter observances.
Despite the restrictions, clergy held alternative Palm Sunday prayers elsewhere in Jerusalem. Observers say the episode highlights how ongoing regional tensions are affecting religious life at key holy sites shared by multiple faith communities.
