Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass, marking the first such instance in centuries. Authorities cited security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran as the reason for the blockade.
The Patriarchate stated the incident occurred despite prior notification from police regarding the cancellation of mass due to safety concerns, following a ban on large gatherings. Top Catholic leaders were blocked from a private mass at the church.
World leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Italy and France, condemned the action as an offense to the faithful. Israeli security forces are now seeking ways to allow worship at the Church during Holy Week.
Jerusalem’s major holy sites remain closed due to the ongoing situation.