Catholic Cardinal Stopped from Jerusalem's Church of Holy Sepulchre, Israel Says It Was for His Safety

March 29, 2026

TL;DR

Israeli police barred Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for a Palm Sunday Mass.
Israel cited security concerns related to the ongoing war with Iran as the reason for preventing entry, noting potential risks to the cardinal.
The Latin Patriarchate condemned the action as a grave precedent and a disregard for the sensibilities of billions of people, calling the decision unreasonable and flawed.
World leaders, including the U.S. ambassador to Israel, the Italian Prime Minister, the French President, and the Jordanian foreign ministry, criticized the police's actions.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the decision was made out of special concern for the cardinal's safety, with no malicious intent, and pledged to arrange future worship opportunities.
Israeli police noted that all holy sites in Jerusalem have been closed since the start of the war, with limitations on gatherings due to security concerns.
Cardinal Pizzaballa later celebrated Mass at a nearby monastery and led a prayer for peace, acknowledging the limitations on Holy Week celebrations due to the war.

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