US EditionIsraeli Police Bar Patriarch from Holy Sepulcher on Palm Sunday
Israeli police cited wartime safety concerns to bar Cardinal Pizzaballa and Father Ielpo from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, prompting international criticism including from Italy and the U.S.
- On Sunday, March 29, 2026, Israeli police blocked Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Custos Father Francesco Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, preventing Palm Sunday Mass for the first time in centuries.
- Citing 'special concern for his safety' amid Iranian missile threats, police stated the Old City's narrow alleys prevent emergency vehicle access during a 'mass casualty incident.'
- Ambassador Mike Huckabee joined church leaders in labeling the incident an 'unfortunate overreach,' noting the delegation of four was well below the 50-person gathering limit.
- Diplomacy strained as Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Israeli Ambassador, while Premier Giorgia Meloni stated the ban 'constitutes an offense not only against believers but against every community that recognizes religious freedom.'
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office asserted 'no malicious intent whatsoever,' while security officials develop a plan to enable church leaders to worship at the holy site during Holy Week.
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547 Articles
Raymond J. de Souza: Note to Iran — holy sites should be off-limit in war
How grave was the offence given by the Israeli police in barring the two most senior Catholic clergymen in Israel — the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos (“guardian”) of the Holy Land — from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week?
Netanyahu Orders Reopening of Holy Sepulchre Following Palm Sunday Dispute
Israeli authorities restored access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday after an initial police decision to block entry to a senior Catholic leader sparked international criticism. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch and leading Catholic authority in the region, had attempted to reach the church alongside Francesco Ielpo, the site’s official guardian.
Präster portades från Heliga gravens kyrka i Jerusalem. Beslutet väcker wächtlich internationell Kritik.
Benjamin Netanyahu to Newsmax: Behind Palm Sunday Mass Restrictions
Immediately instructing the Latin Patriarch be allowed to conduct services at the church going forward, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Newsmax on Monday that concern for the safety of celebrants was the reason Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was denied.
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