DayofPal—Israeli authorities have prevented senior Catholic figures from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead Palm Sunday Mass.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo were stopped en route to the church despite attempting to enter quietly, without any public procession or gathering.
Church authorities described the incident as unprecedented, saying it marked the first time in centuries that top Catholic leaders had been barred from presiding over Palm Sunday services at one of Christianity’s holiest sites.
They warned that the decision sets a “grave precedent” and undermines the religious significance of Jerusalem for millions of worshippers worldwide.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the move as “an offence to the faithful,” while Italy summoned Israel’s ambassador in protest.
The restrictions come amid broader security measures imposed by Israeli authorities across East Jerusalem, including continued closures of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other religious sites.
Church leaders stressed that they had complied with all imposed restrictions in recent weeks, including cancelling public Easter gatherings.
They argued that preventing access to senior clergy was “disproportionate” and violated longstanding arrangements governing religious sites in Jerusalem, known as the Status Quo.
The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny over access to holy sites in the city and raise broader concerns about religious freedom during a period of heightened regional instability.
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