Israel blocks palm Sunday mass in Jerusalem, draws global criticism
Israel faced widespread international criticism on Sunday after police blocked the Church of the Holy Sepulchre from hosting a Palm Sunday Mass and prevented senior Christian leaders, including Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the site.
Authorities cited security concerns linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, including missile threats, limited emergency access in the Old City, and insufficient shelter space. Police had informed church officials a day earlier that no Mass would be permitted.
The Latin Patriarchate condemned the move as “grossly disproportionate,” noting that small, private services had been held at the church since late February. It said the decision undermined religious freedom and the longstanding status quo governing Jerusalem’s holy sites.
Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, one of Christianity’s most sacred periods. Traditional celebrations, including a major procession from the Mount of Olives, were already canceled due to security risks.
Instead, Pizzaballa held Mass at a nearby monastery and later led prayers for peace.
Global leaders voiced concern. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the move “an unfortunate overreach,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the restrictions as violations of religious freedom.
Pope Leo XIV, speaking at the St. Peter’s Square, lamented that Christians in the Middle East could not fully observe Holy Week rites.α
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied malicious intent, stating the measures were purely for safety. He said authorities are working on plans to allow limited access to the church in the coming days.
Restrictions remain in place across Jerusalem, with religious gatherings capped at 50 people and access dependent on proximity to designated shelters.
