For the first time in centuries, Catholic leaders were barred from a key Holy Week event in Jerusalem due to security issues.
Israeli police blocked Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Rev Francesco Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, marking the first such incident in centuries, according to church authorities.
The blockage occurred as a safety measure following recent Iranian missile strikes, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that worshippers of all faiths were asked to avoid holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City to prevent potential harm.
International Reactions and Context
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described the decision as an 'unfortunate overreach' that was difficult to justify, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it an offense against believers and religious freedom, prompting Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to summon Israel's ambassador for an explanation.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the action, highlighting it as part of a worrying increase in violations of the status of holy places in Jerusalem and emphasizing that freedom for religious rites must be ensured.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, had its traditional Palm Sunday procession cancelled amid these restrictions, which began after the US-Israel conflict with Iran started on February 28.
Israeli authorities rejected the patriarchate's request for an exemption, noting that all holy sites in the Old City were closed for security reasons, including incidents where missile fragments landed near the church.
The patriarchate stated that they had complied with all imposed restrictions since the war began but viewed Sunday's decision as a disproportionate measure that disregarded global sensibilities during Holy Week.
Netanyahu assured that plans were in place to allow church leaders to worship at the site in the coming days, emphasizing that the action involved no malicious intent and aimed solely at protection.
