JERUSALEM: Israel has said that the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, will regain access to one of Christianity’s holiest sites after he was barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, sparking widespread international criticism.
Israeli police had prevented Cardinal Pizzaballa from entering the church, citing security concerns amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has seen missile strikes near sensitive religious locations. Authorities have imposed restrictions on gatherings at synagogues, churches, and mosques due to fears of further attacks and limited emergency response capacity in the densely packed Old City of Jerusalem.
Following global backlash, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Patriarch would be granted “full and immediate access.” According to the Latin Patriarchate, Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, were attempting to enter the church privately, without any formal procession, when they were turned away by police.
Church officials described the incident as unprecedented, stating that for the first time in centuries, senior church leaders were unable to lead Palm Sunday prayers at the Holy Sepulchre — a site revered as the place of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They called the move a “grave precedent” that disregarded the religious sentiments of Christians worldwide.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion and resurrection. Due to the restrictions, traditional processions — including the well-known march from the Mount of Olives — were cancelled, and celebrations were scaled down significantly.
Despite the setback, Pizzaballa later led prayers at the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of Gethsemane, where he delivered a message of resilience, emphasizing that conflict would not extinguish faith or hope.
The incident has raised broader concerns over religious freedom. International leaders and organisations voiced strong criticism, with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas calling the restriction a violation of religious rights and urging Israel to ensure access to worship for all faiths. Leaders from several countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Jordan, also condemned the move.
In response, Netanyahu’s office said there was “no malicious intent” behind the decision, attributing it solely to security considerations. He noted that in recent days, missile fire linked to Iran had targeted areas near key religious sites in Jerusalem, heightening risks. Israeli authorities had earlier reported finding missile debris near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, underscoring the volatile situation.
The Old City remained largely deserted on Palm Sunday, with shuttered shops and subdued observances reflecting the impact of the conflict on religious life. Worshippers expressed disappointment over the inability to celebrate as usual, highlighting the broader toll of the ongoing crisis on both daily life and spiritual traditions.