Israel blocks cardinal from entering one of Christianity's holiest sites 'for first time in centuries'

Church officials described Sunday's events as an unprecedented intervention and threatens to spark a full-blown diplomatic incident.

According to the Latin Patriarchate, the two senior clerics were travelling discreetly to the church when police stopped them and ordered them to leave.

The church emphasised they were not leading any formal procession or ceremonial gathering.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located in Jerusalem's Old City, is considered Christianity's most sacred location, believed to house both the site of Christ's crucifixion and his tomb.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the Latin Patriarchate declared that church leaders had been barred from celebrating the Palm Sunday mass for the first time in centuries.

The institution described the incident as "a grave precedent" that "disregards the sensibilities of billions of people around the world, who, during this week, look to Jerusalem."

The Patriarchate further said blocking the Cardinal and Father Ielpo, who hold the most senior ecclesiastical positions for the Catholic Church and its holy sites, "constitutes a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure."

Church officials went on to brand the police action as "a hasty and fundamentally flawed decision, tainted by improper considerations," arguing it marked "an extreme departure from basic principles of reasonableness, freedom of worship, and respect for the status quo".

Palm Sunday inaugurates Holy Week, the most solemn period in Christianity, commemorating Christ's final journey into Jerusalem before his crucifixion and resurrection according to the Gospels.

In response to the incident, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the action as an affront to religious liberty.

Meloni declared in a statement the Church of the Holy Sepulchre represents "a sacred place of Christianity, and as such must be preserved and protected."

She argued that denying church leaders access "constitutes an insult not only to believers, but to every community that recognises religious freedom."

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the prohibition as unacceptable, announcing on social media that he would summon Israel's ambassador to Rome on Monday.

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He also directed Italy's ambassador in Israel to lodge a formal protest with the Israeli government.

Israeli police defended the decision by citing security measures implemented during the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating that holy sites throughout Jerusalem's Old City have been shuttered to worshippers.

Authorities explained that locations lacking adequate protective spaces pose particular risks, with the Old City's narrow layout preventing emergency and rescue vehicles from accessing the area effectively.

Police described this as presenting "a real risk to human life."

Officials revealed that Cardinal Pizzaballa's request to enter had been evaluated the day before and rejected under civil defence protocols.

They maintained they were upholding freedom of worship whilst applying necessary security restrictions.

Since the war began in late February, Israeli authorities have imposed sweeping limitations on religious gatherings across all faiths.

Public assemblies have been capped at 50 individuals, including in synagogues, churches and mosques.

The restrictions have affected multiple sacred sites, with Muslims barred entirely from the Al-Aqsa Mosque throughout Ramadan and Jewish worshippers at the Western Wall limited to 50 daily.

The Latin Patriarchate had already cancelled its customary Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives, which typically attracts thousands.