Jerusalem / Europe — Several leading European governments and officials voiced strong concern — and in several cases outright condemnation — after Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass on March 29, 2026. The move, unprecedented in centuries, has sparked diplomatic protests and calls for respect for religious freedoms.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a forceful statement saying that blocking the patriarch’s entry “constitutes an offence not only to believers, but to every community that recognises religious freedom.” She described the incident as damaging to the shared principles underpinning pluralistic societies and underscored Italy’s strong objections to the decision. Meloni’s government also moved to summon the Israeli ambassador to seek clarification over the blocking of the Catholic leader from the site.
Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, echoed the sentiment, saying the move was “unacceptable,” and that Rome expected a full explanation from Israeli authorities for what many are calling a violation of religious rights.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the Israeli police action, stating that it adds to a “worrying increase in violations of the status of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites.” He called for the “free exercise of worship for all religions” to be guaranteed in the ancient city — a plea that reflects France’s historic role as protector of Christian holy places in the Holy Land.
From Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez joined the chorus of criticism. Sanchez said that Spain “condemns this unjustified attack on religious freedom” and urged Israel to “respect the diversity of beliefs and international law,” adding that “without tolerance, coexistence is impossible.”
The Portuguese Foreign Ministry likewise issued a statement saying the decision by Israeli authorities “deserves deep condemnation,” and it urged Jerusalem to uphold freedom of religion and worship for all who revere the city’s sacred sites.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki also expressed his objections, describing the Israeli police action as a “strong expression of disrespect for Christian tradition and culture,” and voiced support for Cardinal Pizzaballa.
Meanwhile, Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg said he was “deeply concerned” and insisted that “access to Christianity’s holiest site, especially for private Holy Week liturgy, must be respected.” Borg urged Israeli authorities to “reconsider and facilitate worship” for the faithful.
What Happened in Jerusalem
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo, the Custos of the Holy Land — a senior Franciscan official responsible for care of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — were stopped by Israeli police while heading to the church privately to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass. They were reportedly “compelled to turn back” before reaching the site, in what church officials described as a dramatic and historic obstruction.
Church leaders emphasised that it was a private liturgical act, not a public procession or large gathering, and said the decision marked the first time in centuries that heads of the Church have been prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday at the holy site — a locus of Christian worship believed to be the place of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Church authorities declared the incident a violation of religious freedom and a disruption of traditions that resonate with millions of Christians worldwide.
Israeli Authorities Cite Security Concerns
Israeli police and government officials defended the move as a security measure linked to the ongoing war with Iran and escalating regional tensions, which have led to heightened risks in and around Jerusalem’s Old City. According to these explanations, access restrictions were imposed on all three major religious sites — Christian, Jewish, and Muslim — due to credible threats and the lack of adequate civil defence infrastructure, such as bomb shelters and fast emergency access in the narrow ancient streets.
Israeli authorities asserted that these restrictions were applied equally and were aimed at preserving public safety amidst an unpredictable security environment. Some limited religious activities have been allowed under strict conditions at other sites, even during the closures.
Broader Context: Holy Sites and Worship Restrictions
The incident at the Holy Sepulchre comes amid broader restrictions on religious worship in Jerusalem due to security concerns. Israeli authorities have also barred Muslims from attending Friday prayers at the Al‑Aqsa Mosque — the third‑holiest site in Islam — for several weeks in a row, citing emergency measures related to the conflict with Iran and regional instability.
These closures and limitations have sparked controversy and criticism beyond Christian communities, with Islamic leaders and some governments also denouncing limitations on worship at Al‑Aqsa. Such developments underscore growing tensions over the status of sacred spaces during heightened geopolitical conflict.
What Comes Next
Diplomatic channels remain active as European governments seek clarification and assurances from Israeli officials about the handling of holy sites, protection of religious freedoms, and respect for historical custom and international agreements governing access to Jerusalem’s most revered places of worship.
Religious leaders, including from the Vatican and other Christian communities, are expected to continue pressing for guarantees that worshippers of all faiths will be able to safely and freely observe their sacred traditions during Holy Week and beyond.
