Israeli police block Latin Patriarch from entering Church of the Holy Sepulchre

On Palm Sunday, Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem described the incident as a serious precedent, noting that it is the first time in centuries that Church leaders have been blocked from observing Palm Sunday at the site. The Patriarchate argued the decision was irrational and disproportionate, as the clergy were traveling privately without a procession. Israeli police stated that the Old City’s holy sites have been closed to the public since late February 2026 due to the ongoing war and security concerns regarding limited emergency access. Police rejected the Patriarchate's request for an exemption, citing the high risk to human life in the event of a mass casualty incident. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the restriction as an insult to the Christian faith. The site remains closed to the general public, and local religious leaders claim they have consistently complied with all wartime safety regulations until this event.