BREAKING Cardinal Pizzaballa on Access Holy Sites - Certain "rights" are "non-negotiable" and Laments Israel's Death Penalty Decision

Easter in Jerusalem: Celebrations Guaranteed Behind Closed Doors

Following the unprecedented disruption on March 29, when Israeli police barred Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land have announced that Easter celebrations will proceed under strict security and "behind closed doors."

While the ban sparked global condemnation, including from the White House, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized a desire for reconciliation during a joint press conference:

"It is not our intention to polemically revisit what happened last Sunday. Rather, our desire is to look forward with a constructive spirit, ensuring that freedom of worship for all religions is always respected and the Status Quo—especially within the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre—is fully safeguarded. It is on these principles that we wish to continue to build, in dialogue and cooperation with the authorities, convinced that mutual respect is the foundation of authentic coexistence and the protection of the Holy Places, which belong not only to this land, but to all humanity."

Non-Negotiable Rights and the Status Quo

The Church leaders underscored that the Franciscan presence in the Holy Sepulchre has remained uninterrupted for seven centuries, even during the most turbulent periods of history. They reiterated that the rights of Christian communities are "essential and non-negotiable":

"What happened also offers us the opportunity to clearly reaffirm certain fundamental principles and rights that we consider essential and non-negotiable. For over seven centuries, the Custody of the Holy Land has guarded the principal Holy Places... This is a continuous and stable presence, recognized over time and respected by the various authorities who have governed this land."

Pizzaballa further clarified that the Custos does not require state permission to enter the Basilica, as it is a long-standing right rather than a privilege. He urged the Israeli government to recognize its global responsibility:

"The government of Israel must keep this in mind, as well as its responsibility to the Christian world, to continue to guarantee the performance of prayers at all times—and despite the difficulties—and to find appropriate solutions in coordination with us. This is what was done yesterday, and solutions have been found."

Security Measures and Restricted Access

Due to the regional conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran, logistical safety remains the priority. While local parish priests will manage their own congregations based on regional safety, the Holy Sepulchre itself will be strictly limited.

"We had requested the possibility of joining the liturgy inside the Holy Sepulchre, to safeguard the fundamental right of the Bishop of Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass. There were some misunderstandings. After contacting the authorities, we reached an agreement whereby Holy Week celebrations will be celebrated behind closed doors, with a limited number of people."

Because the Basilica lacks a nearby shelter, it will remain closed to the general public. Rites will be performed by the resident friars and "only two or three external people at most," with the faithful encouraged to participate via live stream.

A Regional Perspective on Suffering

Despite the local tension, the Patriarch expressed humility regarding the suffering of the wider Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Syria:

"There are many people who are worse off than us... So we must also give the right proportions to what happened in Jerusalem; we do not want to give the impression that we have a monopoly on pain."

However, he did not shy away from criticizing the recent Knesset vote regarding the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, warning that such legislation "only serves to deepen the rift of hatred."

"We learned with great sorrow of the Israeli parliament's vote on the death penalty, which only serves to deepen the rift of hatred between Israelis and Palestinians. We must work with all parties to prevent a further deterioration of the situation."

Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/it/chiesa/news/2026-03/pizzaballa-patriarcato-latino-ielpo-gerusalemme-pasqua-riti.html