Israeli police on Sunday barred senior Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where they were scheduled to preside over Palm Sunday Mass, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
In a statement, the Patriarchate said Pizzaballa, alongside Fr. Francesco Ielpo, was stopped by Israeli authorities while attempting to enter the church privately, without any formal procession or public ceremony.
The two clerics were subsequently forced to turn back.
The development marks what church authorities described as an unprecedented disruption. “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 statement noted.
Church officials condemned the action, describing it as a “grave precedent” that disregards the religious significance of the Holy Week for billions of Christians worldwide who look to Jerusalem during the period.
There was no immediate reaction from Israeli police at the time of filing this report.
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The incident comes amid heightened security measures following the outbreak of the Middle East war 2026, which began on February 28.
Authorities have since imposed restrictions on large gatherings across religious sites, including synagogues, churches, and mosques, limiting attendance to about 50 people.
Earlier, the Patriarchate had already cancelled the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives into the city — an event that typically attracts thousands of worshippers annually.
While acknowledging compliance with existing restrictions since the start of the conflict, the Patriarchate criticised the latest move as “unreasonable” and “disproportionate,” arguing it undermines fundamental principles of religious freedom and respect for established religious practices in the Holy City.
The situation continues to draw attention as tensions remain high in the region.