Jerusalem, Israel. Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from marking Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, citing security concerns linked to the Iran war. The Latin Patriarchate said it was the first time in centuries that church leaders were unable to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass at the site.
Patriarchate statement
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Friar Francesco Ielpo were stopped by police while walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead.
“As a result, and for the first time in centuries, the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,” the Patriarchate said in a statement.
Police cite security restrictions in Old City
Israeli police said all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City, including those sacred to Christians, Muslims and Jews, had been closed to worshippers since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, particularly locations without bomb shelters.
Police said they rejected a request from the Patriarchate for a Palm Sunday exemption.
“The Old City and the holy sites constitute a complex area that does not allow access for large emergency and rescue vehicles, which significantly challenges response capabilities and poses a real risk to human life in the event of a mass casualty incident,” police said.
Impact on Easter, Ramadan and Passover observances
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian calendar leading to Easter, when the Old City would typically be busy with Roman Catholics entering the Holy Sepulchre.
This year, Christians, Muslims and Jews have been unable to observe Easter, Ramadan or Passover as usual due to police restrictions. Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque was largely empty during Ramadan, and few worshippers have come to Judaism’s Western Wall as Passover approaches on Wednesday.
Meloni criticism
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the police action, saying in a statement that denying entry to religious leaders “constitutes an offence not only to believers but for every community that recognises religious freedom.”
How have the restrictions in Jerusalem’s Old City affected your ability to observe religious holidays?