Israeli Police Bar Patriarch from Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday

Israeli police barred Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Friar Francesco Ielpo, the Custos of the Holy Land, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, preventing them from celebrating Mass there for the first time in centuries, according to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The incident occurred in Jerusalem's Old City as the two church leaders approached the site, revered by Christians as the location of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. They were proceeding privately, without any procession or public elements, but were stopped by officers and forced to turn back. The Patriarchate described the action as a grave precedent that disregards the religious sensibilities of billions worldwide during Holy Week, when attention turns to Jerusalem. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus's entry into the city before his crucifixion, marking the start of the Christian calendar's most significant period leading to Easter.

Police cited ongoing security restrictions imposed since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28. Authorities have limited public gatherings to about 50 people and closed holy sites...