Israel Blocks Cardinal from Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, Sparks Global Outcry

Authorities in Israel prevented a senior Catholic cleric from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, triggering international criticism and prompting a reversal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Friar Francesco Ielpo were denied entry to the revered Christian site, traditionally believed to be the location of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

The restriction, described by the Church as unprecedented in centuries, was imposed amid heightened security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Israeli police said access to several holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City had been restricted due to safety risks, particularly the lack of adequate emergency access routes in the event of an attack.

However, the move drew swift backlash from global leaders, with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and France’s President Emmanuel Macron condemning the decision as a violation of religious freedoms and longstanding arrangements governing holy sites.

Following the backlash, Netanyahu announced that he had directed authorities to grant the cardinal full access to conduct services for the remainder of Holy Week, acknowledging concerns while prioritising safety.

The restrictions have disrupted major religious observances across faiths, affecting Christian Easter celebrations, Muslim prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, and Jewish worship at the Western Wall ahead of Passover.

The development comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with the ongoing conflict impacting religious life and access to sacred sites in one of the world’s most sensitive religious centres.