Rome, March 29: On Palm Sunday, Israeli police prevented prominent clergy from entering the Holy Sepulchre for mass. This incident has sparked outrage from Italy, which has summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its discontent.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a statement saying, “To block the Patriarch and Custodian on a sacred day like Palm Sunday is not only an insult to the faithful but also to every community that values religious freedom.”
Israeli police stopped Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Custos of the Holy Land Father Francesco Patton from attending the Palm Sunday mass at the Holy Sepulchre.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land released a joint statement condemning the action as “inappropriate and excessively harsh.” They noted that it was the first time in centuries that church leaders were unable to conduct mass. The Patriarch and Custos were attempting to enter privately, without any procession or public event, but were halted by police en route.
The Italian government has strongly criticized this incident. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani labeled it “unacceptable” and instructed the Italian ambassador in Israel to convey Italy’s anger and commitment to protecting religious freedom to Tel Aviv.
Due to regional tensions and military conflicts, particularly with Iran, security restrictions have already been in place at Jerusalem’s holy sites. Recently, the Latin Patriarchate canceled public Palm Sunday processions and limited other events during Holy Week. Sunday’s mass was meant to be private, which the church deemed “unnecessary.”
The Vatican and Christian communities worldwide are closely monitoring the situation. Pope Leo has also expressed solidarity with Christians in the Middle East.
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