Israeli Police Prevent Top Catholic Leader from Leading Palm Sunday Mass in Jerusalem

Israeli police blocked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday. The patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was unable to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass in the historic site.

Incident details

The Latin Patriarchate said the cardinal and the Custos were stopped while proceeding privately. The statement said there were no signs of a procession or ceremonial act.

The Patriarchate added that church leaders had already cancelled the traditional procession from the Mount of Olives. That procession usually draws thousands of worshippers into Jerusalem each year.

Claims by the church

The Latin Patriarchate described the move as unprecedented in centuries. It said preventing the heads of churches from celebrating at the Holy Sepulchre was a serious breach of long-standing practice.

Church officials called the measure disproportionate and unreasonable. They said the restriction ignored commitments to freedom of worship and the status quo at the holy places.

Security restrictions and context

Since the Middle East war began on February 28, Israeli authorities have limited large gatherings. Public assemblies at synagogues, churches and mosques face strict caps, roughly 50 people.

Authorities had already banned the traditional Palm Sunday procession due to those rules. Church leaders said they had complied with all imposed restrictions from the start of the conflict.

Official reactions

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli police. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the episode as an offence to the faithful.

Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, said he had summoned Israel’s ambassador in response. The move drew criticism from church circles and diplomats alike.

Reporting by Filmogaz.com with AFP.