Israel Police Block Latin Patriarch from Palm Sunday Mass at Holy Sepulchre

Israeli police blocked Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from conducting the traditional Palm Sunday ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This action prevented the Patriarch from leading the procession marking the start of Holy Week. Israeli authorities cited security concerns and the closure of various prayer sites across Jerusalem due to the ongoing conflict as justification for the blockage. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has strongly criticized the move, calling it an unacceptable restriction on religious worship. ## Latest Update The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reports that police cordons blocked the entrance to the Christian Quarter and the church itself. Witnesses confirm the police action, while the Patriarchate has officially described the event as an unacceptable restriction on religious worship. ## Timeline * **2026-03-29:** Israel Police prevent Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from conducting Palm Sunday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, citing security concerns. * **2026-03-29:** The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reports that Israeli police blocked the Patriarch from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass. ## What to Watch * Escalation of tensions between religious authorities and Israeli security forces. * Potential for protests or demonstrations by Christian groups. * Impact on religious tourism and access to holy sites during Holy Week.