Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, were prevented by Israeli police from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday.It was the "first time in centuries" the Heads of Church were prevented from attending.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass for the "first time in centuries" after being turned away by Israeli police.
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The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem denounced a "grave precedent", in which both Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land Father Francesco Ielpo were turned away by authorities.
The incident "disregards the sensibilities of billions of people around the world," the statement read. It said the two were stopped while proceeding privately without any characteristics of a procession or ceremonial act, and had to turn back.
"For the first time in centuries, church leaders were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre."
The Israeli government subsequently released a statement saying that it had issued instructions for all holy sites of all religions that mass gatherings would not be possible due to the risk of Iranian airstrikes landing in the area.
Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran sparked the Iran war on 28 February, Israeli authorities have banned large gatherings, including at synagogues, churches and mosques.
Reactions pour in almost instantly
The incident sparked outrage across Europe and Catholic communities across the world.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the Israeli police action, saying the incident was "an offence not only to the faithful but to any community that respects religious freedom".
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani separately said on X he had summoned Israel's ambassador over the incident.
French President Emmanuel Macron called it "alarming" and offered his full support to the Catholic figures. "I condemn this decision by the Israeli police, which adds to the alarming proliferation of violations of the status quo of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites," he wrote in a post on X.
"The free exercise of worship in Jerusalem must be guaranteed for all religions."
Palm Sunday, which opens Holy Week for Christians, marks Christ's final entry into Jerusalem, days before his crucifixion and resurrection, according to the Gospels.
Public gatherings, as per Israeli restrictions, are capped at around 50 people.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land expressed its deep sorrow and apologies to the Christian faithful around the world that the prayer, on one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar, has been prevented in this way.