JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli authorities barred senior Catholic clergy from entering Christianity’s revered Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Palm Sunday observances, marking an unprecedented interruption to centuries-old Easter traditions. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land were denied access to the sacred site believed to be Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial place.
Police authorities cited operational security concerns stemming from ongoing regional hostilities with Iran, which has targeted Jerusalem with missile attacks since February 28. Official communications emphasized safety limitations including inadequate emergency vehicle access through the Old City’s narrow passages and insufficient shelter capacity.
The Catholic institution condemned the prohibition as “manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate,” noting that restricted Masses had been conducted continuously since conflict initiation. Church representatives had requested permission for a private ceremony limited to religious leaders rather than public congregation.
Farid Jubran, spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate, expressed dismay: “This sacred observance holds profound significance for Christians worldwide. We perceive no legitimate justification for this disruptive intervention.”
Alternative commemorations occurred at St. Savior’s Monastery, which neighbors designated shelter facilities. Cardinal Pizzaballa conducted prayers for peace at the Dominus Flevit Shrine while deliberately avoiding direct reference to the access controversy.
The incident prompted formal diplomatic protests from Italy, where Premier Giorgia Meloni characterized the prevention as “an offense against every community valuing religious freedom.” Italy’s Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador for clarification while reaffirming its commitment to protecting worship rights.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding Holy Week, pledging to develop security protocols permitting limited access to Christian holy sites. Security measures currently restrict gatherings to 50 persons near certified shelters across Jerusalem’s religious sites, including the Western Wall.
Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for Middle Eastern Christians enduring conflict during his St. Peter’s Square address, though the Vatican declined immediate commentary on the Jerusalem incident.