Cardinal Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Announces Agreement with Israeli Police for Access to the Holy Sepulchre Following Outcry
An agreement has been reached with His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem, with the Israeli Police on March 30th, to permit Church representatives to access the Holy Sepulchre particularly during Holy Week. On March 29th, Palm Sunday, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Franciscan Custos, Father Francesco Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, marking the first time in centuries that Church leaders were barred from celebrating the Mass. Many politicians and political commentators openly criticized the act. The Latin Patriarchate and the Custody of the Holy Land condemned the move as a "grossly disproportionate" violation of religious freedom during the ongoing regional conflict.
The United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated:“While all Holy sites in the Old City are closed due to safety concerns for mass gatherings including the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Al Aqsa Mosque, the action today by the Israel Nat'l Police to deny Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and 3 other priests from entering the Church to offer a blessing on Palm Sunday is an unfortunate overreach already having major repercussions around the world. Home Front Command Guidelines restrict any gatherings to 50 people or less. The 4 representatives of the Catholic Church were well below that restriction. Statements from the Gov't of Israel indicate the action to prohibit Cardinal Pizzaballa entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher were for safety reasons, but churches, synagogues, and mosques throughout Jerusalem have met with the restrictions of 50 or less. For the Patriarch to be barred from entry to the Church on Palm Sunday for a private ceremony is difficult to understand or justify. Israel has indicated it will work with the Patriarch to accommodate a safe means of carrying out Holy Week activities”
In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the motion as “an offense to the faithful,” and the country's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that the Israeli ambassador had been called due to the incident.
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the decision, saying it follows “a troubling increase in violations” affecting the status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites and gave his full support for Pizzaballa and for Christians in the Holy Land.Joint Press Release: Holy Monday, 30 March 2026
March 30, 2026
Joint Press Release
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land
Jerusalem - Holy Monday, 30 March 2026
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land hereby confirm that the matters concerning the Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been addressed and resolved in coordination with the relevant authorities. In agreement with the Israel Police, access for representatives of the Churches has been secured in order to conduct the liturgies and ceremonies and to preserve the ancient Easter traditions at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Naturally, and in light of the current state of war, the existing restrictions on public gatherings remain in force for the time being. Accordingly, the Churches will ensure that the liturgies and prayers are broadcast live to the faithful in the Holy Land and throughout the world.
We express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, for his prompt attention and valued intervention. We also extend our appreciation to the Heads of State and officials who acted swiftly to convey their firm positions, many of whom personally reached out to express their closeness and support.
We wish to emphasize that religious faith constitutes a supreme human value, shared by all religions, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, and others. Especially in times of hardship and conflict, such as those presently endured, safeguarding the freedom of worship remains a fundamental and shared duty.
It is our hope that appropriate arrangements will continue to be found, enabling prayer to take place in places of worship, particularly in the Holy Places of all religions, in a manner that respects both legitimate safety needs and the religious observances and prayers that are of profound importance to hundreds of millions of believers.
The Church remains in continuous dialogue with the authorities, including the Israel Police. We pray and hope for an end to the tragic war affecting the region, mindful of the heavy consequences it has on all.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land reaffirm their commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and the preservation of the Status Quo.
Blessed Holy Week.
In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the motion as “an offense to the faithful,” and the country's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that the Israeli ambassador had been called due to the incident.
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the decision, saying it follows “a troubling increase in violations” affecting the status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites and gave his full support for Pizzaballa and for Christians in the Holy Land.Joint Press Release: Holy Monday, 30 March 2026
March 30, 2026
Joint Press Release
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land
Jerusalem - Holy Monday, 30 March 2026
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land hereby confirm that the matters concerning the Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been addressed and resolved in coordination with the relevant authorities. In agreement with the Israel Police, access for representatives of the Churches has been secured in order to conduct the liturgies and ceremonies and to preserve the ancient Easter traditions at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Naturally, and in light of the current state of war, the existing restrictions on public gatherings remain in force for the time being. Accordingly, the Churches will ensure that the liturgies and prayers are broadcast live to the faithful in the Holy Land and throughout the world.
We express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, for his prompt attention and valued intervention. We also extend our appreciation to the Heads of State and officials who acted swiftly to convey their firm positions, many of whom personally reached out to express their closeness and support.
We wish to emphasize that religious faith constitutes a supreme human value, shared by all religions, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, and others. Especially in times of hardship and conflict, such as those presently endured, safeguarding the freedom of worship remains a fundamental and shared duty.
It is our hope that appropriate arrangements will continue to be found, enabling prayer to take place in places of worship, particularly in the Holy Places of all religions, in a manner that respects both legitimate safety needs and the religious observances and prayers that are of profound importance to hundreds of millions of believers.
The Church remains in continuous dialogue with the authorities, including the Israel Police. We pray and hope for an end to the tragic war affecting the region, mindful of the heavy consequences it has on all.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land reaffirm their commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and the preservation of the Status Quo.
Blessed Holy Week.
Source: https://lpj.org/en/news/joint-press-release-holy-monday-30-march-2026
Image: Facebook Page of the Latin Patriarchate from Dec. 25 https://www.facebook.com/Latin.patriarchate.of.jerusalem/photos
Joint Press Release
— Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (@LPJerusalem) March 30, 2026
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land
Jerusalem - Holy Monday, 30 March 2026 pic.twitter.com/V2hL0vEzJf
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